What's happened
Gaza marks Ramadan during ongoing conflict, with over 72,000 Palestinians killed, widespread destruction, and displacement. Despite efforts to bring some festive spirit, residents face severe hardship, cold, and loss, with many mourning loved ones and enduring displacement amid continued violence.
What's behind the headline?
The stories from Gaza reveal a profound humanitarian crisis that has overshadowed the traditional spirit of Ramadan. Despite some efforts to bring moments of joy, such as calligraphy and community gatherings, the reality remains bleak. The conflict's escalation has led to a displacement crisis, with many families losing loved ones and homes multiple times. The casualty figures, which include both civilians and militants, highlight the indiscriminate nature of the violence. The ongoing military operations and blockade have crippled Gaza's economy, leaving residents without cash or work, and deepening their despair. The international community's ceasefire has not halted violence entirely, and the winter conditions have further compounded suffering, with child deaths and flooded camps. This situation underscores the urgent need for a sustainable political solution, as the current cycle of violence continues to devastate lives and erode any semblance of normalcy or hope for the future.
What the papers say
The articles from Arab News, The Independent, and The New Arab provide a consistent picture of Gaza's ongoing suffering amid conflict. Arab News emphasizes the destruction and economic hardship during Ramadan, highlighting the emotional toll on residents. The Independent echoes these themes, adding details about daily violence and displacement, and the impact on families and children. The New Arab offers a poignant account of the scale of destruction, displacement, and personal loss, illustrating how the conflict has transformed Gaza into a landscape of rubble and grief. While all sources agree on the severity of the crisis, they differ slightly in focus—Arab News on the local atmosphere, The Independent on ongoing violence, and The New Arab on personal stories of displacement and loss—together painting a comprehensive picture of Gaza's current plight.
How we got here
The current situation in Gaza stems from a conflict that escalated after Hamas-led militants attacked Israel on October 7, 2023, killing around 1,200 people and taking hostages. Israel responded with a military offensive, resulting in over 72,000 Palestinian deaths and widespread destruction. A US-brokered ceasefire on October 10, 2025, has reduced heavy fighting but violence persists, with daily Israeli fire and airstrikes. The ongoing conflict has displaced most residents, destroyed homes, and worsened living conditions, especially during winter, with cold and rain causing additional suffering.
Go deeper
Common question
-
What Is the Reality in Gaza During Ramadan Amid Ongoing Conflict?
Gaza is currently experiencing its third Ramadan amidst ongoing violence and destruction. With thousands of lives lost and many residents displaced, the situation remains dire. People are coping with severe hardships, cold weather, and the emotional toll of loss, all while the conflict continues to shape daily life. If you're wondering what life is like in Gaza right now, here are some key questions and answers to help you understand the current crisis.
-
What Do Current News Stories Reveal About Global Trends?
Recent headlines highlight key issues shaping our world today, from legal battles and economic crises to conflicts and social unrest. Understanding these stories can help us see broader patterns and anticipate future developments. Below, we explore some of the most pressing questions about these ongoing events and what they mean for the global landscape.
More on these topics
-
Ramadan, also spelled Ramazan, Ramzan, Ramadhan or Ramathan, is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, observed by Muslims worldwide as a month of fasting, prayer, reflection and community.
-
Gaza most commonly refers to:
Gaza Strip, a Palestinian territory on the eastern coast of the Mediterranean Sea
Gaza City, a city in the Gaza Strip
Gaza may also refer to:
-
Gaza City, often simply called Gaza, is a city in the Gaza Strip, Palestine, and the capital of the Gaza Governorate. Located on the Mediterranean coast, 76.6 kilometres (47.6 mi) southwest of Jerusalem, it was home to Palestine's only port. With a popula
-
The Palestinian people, also referred to as Palestinians or Palestinian Arabs, are an ethnonational group comprising the modern descendants of the peoples who have lived in Palestine continuously over the centuries and who today are largely culturally and