Despite the ongoing war, the children of Gaza are spreading joy and celebrating Ramadan.
Although discussions of a ceasefire were unsuccessful in putting an end to the ongoing conflict that has resulted in the deaths of about 32,000 Palestinians, the aim of the youth residing in the temporary camp was straightforward.
Despite the challenges of ongoing war, the children of Deir Al-Balah chose to uplift their spirits and observe the holy month of Ramadan.
Shahad is a young refugee who resides with her family in a temporary home in Deir Al-Balah, located in central Gaza.
“We have come to an agreement to beautify the camp.”
Shahad shared with UN News’s reporter in Gaza, Ziad Talib, that every year, Ramadan is welcomed into their homes. However, this year is unique because it has coincided with a war.
Shahad, a child at the camp, expressed her enjoyment in participating in Ramadan by carrying lanterns.
She happily shared that they had come to an agreement to improve the mood of the battleground and beautify their base.
Amira was relocated from northern Gaza to Deir Al-Balah.
Amira, who was forced to leave her home in northern Gaza and live in makeshift tents, found joy in the sound of young voices singing in a small square surrounded by the tents.
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Our happiness is derived from the joy of the children, as expressed by her.
Amira stated that despite experiencing sadness, bereavement, and being separated from relatives and companions, they independently made the decision to observe the sacred month.
Ahmed Musleh, who was forced to leave Beit Hanoun in northern Gaza and relocate to Deir Al-Balah.
Worsening hunger
The displaced people and residents in Deir Al-Balah alike are suffering from challenging and difficult conditions, with hostilities displacing more than 1.7 million people amid an ever-worsening hunger crisis, according to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).
As lifesaving deliveries into the besieged enclave are alarmingly insufficient to meet rapidly escalating needs of almost the entire population who depend on food aid, famine warnings came on Monday, with a new report revealing that half the population in Gaza – 1.1 million people – have completely exhausted their food supplies and are suffering from catastrophic hunger and starvation.
“Ramadan is upon us, and we are in the worst situation,” warned Ahmed Abd Rabbo Musleh, who was displaced from Beit Hanoun in the north.
According to the speaker, individuals are putting in a lot of effort to provide for their families, particularly during Ramadan. A basic meal during this time can cost around 40 shekels, equivalent to approximately $11, and he expressed that these expenses are not sustainable for their living.
Ahmed stated that despite the situation, he managed to provide nourishment for his loved ones. However, he also acknowledged that there are individuals who are unable to even afford bread.
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This year, Ramadan is being observed under different circumstances.
Several individuals, including Ahmed Thabet, concurred that the prices for the limited amount of food are excessively expensive and beyond most people’s financial means.
He stated that this year’s Ramadan is unlike any we have ever experienced before.
A woman who was forced to leave her home in the Shujaiya neighborhood in Gaza City said that a week’s worth of vegetables used to cost $5, but now it is more expensive.
She emphasized that we have been robbed of all possessions and that the state of affairs is deteriorating with each passing day.
A man stated that he lacked funds and had to receive breakfast from a hospice, expressing sadness at the tragic circumstances during Ramadan.
In Gaza’s Deir Al-Balah, young ones living in a temporary shelter rejoice in the observance of Ramadan.
The sprouts of promise bloom
As winter draws to a close and the sixth month of the war begins, a glimmer of hope arises in the Deir Al-Balah camp. Amira observes as a group of children light their lanterns.
“In the midst of war and tragedy,” she stated, “we are actively persevering. We cherish the happiness of the children. We strive to improve our current circumstances and elevate the spirits of ourselves and our community.”
As the sound of children’s voices echoes through the small area, they eagerly greet all those who pass by with “Ramadan Kareem.”
Source: news.un.org
