Gazans ring in Ramadan with hope amid ongoing uncertainty

Amid the death and destruction left behind by more than a year of war, Palestinians in the Abu Mustafa neighborhood of Khan Younis welcomed the first day of Ramadan early Saturday with a communal suhoor, a predawn meal that begins the daily fast.

Amid the death and destruction left behind by more than a year of war, Palestinians in the Abu Mustafa neighborhood of Khan Younis welcomed the first day of Ramadan early Saturday with a communal suhoor, a predawn meal that begins the daily fast.

Ramadan, the most sacred month of the Islamic calendar and a joyous time for Muslims around the world, comes during a time of growing uncertainty this year — following the expiration of the first phase of the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, with many questioning if there will be a second phase or an extension of the first.

On Saturday, colorful lights flickered in celebration of the holy month, which is when Muslims believe the first verses of the Quran were revealed to Prophet Muhammad over 1,000 years ago.

The suhoor, an initiative sponsored by Jordan, had a large turnout that included mostly children. Hundreds sat at a table that seemed to stretch for miles, laden with cheese, vegetables, falafel, olives and bread. Symbolizing resilience and the joyous ambience, messages wishing Gazans a happy Ramadan were drawn on the few remaining walls of destroyed buildings.

Palestinians in Khan Younis gather for suhoor, a predawn meal, early Saturday.NBC NewsYoung children at the gathering sang a popular Ramadan song by Emirati singer Hussain Al Jassmi: “Everywhere we walk, there are Ramadan lanterns and decoration in the street. The sound of the adhan [the Islamic call to prayer] pours into the heart, and we pray taraweeh [Ramadan voluntary night prayer] in the mosque.”

https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/gaza-ramadan-ceasefire-rcna194398

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