Small Ramazan lanterns and decorative string lights have returned to the streets of Gaza City, illuminating neighbourhoods still surrounded by collapsed buildings and debris, as residents mark the beginning of the holy month - the first since October’s ceasefire.

At the historic Great Omari Mosque, dozens of worshippers gathered to perform the first Fajr prayer of Ramazan. Many stood barefoot on the mosque’s carpet while wearing heavy jackets to protect themselves from the winter cold.

Residents described their determination to continue religious practices despite ongoing hardships. One local worshipper said that even after nearby areas were targeted overnight, people remained committed to attending prayers at the mosque.

A security source in Gaza reported that artillery shelling struck eastern areas of Gaza City on Wednesday morning, as well as a refugee camp in central parts of the territory.

Meanwhile, in southern Gaza — including the coastal area of Al-Mawasi — tens of thousands of displaced Palestinians continue to live in tents and temporary shelters as they await reconstruction efforts following the US-brokered ceasefire.

Residents expressed mixed emotions as Ramazan begins under drastically changed circumstances. Many families are struggling to afford basic meals due to soaring prices and limited supplies, making traditional gatherings for Iftar and Suhoor difficult.

Despite the ceasefire, shortages of essential goods persist, with the United Nations and humanitarian agencies warning that restricted access to the enclave continues to hamper the entry of necessary supplies.

Still, some displaced families say the spiritual significance of Ramazan endures. In Deir el-Balah, Palestinian artist Yazeed Abu Jarad created a sand sculpture reading “Welcome Ramazan” along the Mediterranean coast, drawing the attention of children from nearby tent camps.

Nearly all of Gaza’s 2.2 million residents have been displaced at least once during more than two years of Israeli bombardment following the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, 2023.

For many, hopes remain that this will be the last Ramazan spent in displacement, as families attempt to find moments of joy through shared meals, nightly prayers, and community gatherings despite the ongoing challenges.