The holy month of Ramadan has arrived, but for Palestinians in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, the usual festive atmosphere is overshadowed by feelings of helplessness and despair. Amid ongoing attacks in Gaza and rising violence in the West Bank, the joyous decorations and celebratory mood that typically accompany Ramadan are noticeably absent this year.
Hana Karameh, a mother of five from Hebron, expressed the somber sentiment shared by many in the region. She described how the usual traditions of praying together with neighbors, gathering for the pre-dawn meal of suhoor, and children lighting fireworks have been replaced by a sense of emptiness. The absence of her husband and daughter, who were detained by Israeli forces over three months ago, further adds to the family’s hardship during this holy month.
The economic situation in the West Bank has also worsened, with businesses struggling due to Israeli restrictions and closures. This has led to a more modest approach to iftar meals, as families opt for basic ingredients over lavish spreads. Bassam Abu al-Rub, a journalist from Jenin, described the heartbreak felt when sitting down to eat after witnessing the devastation in Gaza.
The escalating violence and Israeli raids in the West Bank have claimed the lives of over 425 people since October, according to the Palestinian health ministry. The Israeli military justifies these actions as part of their counterterrorism efforts against Hamas members in the region. The constant fear of further escalation during Ramadan adds to the already tense atmosphere in the West Bank.
For many Palestinians, the hope of visiting Jerusalem and praying at Al Aqsa Mosque, a holy site in Islam, is uncertain this year. Tighter restrictions imposed by Israel only allow men over 55, women over 50, and children under 10 to enter from the West Bank for prayers at Al Aqsa during Ramadan.
As Palestinians in the West Bank navigate through this challenging time, the usual spirit of Ramadan is overshadowed by the harsh realities of occupation and conflict.
