No Ramadan joy, respite for families in Gaza City destroyed by Israel
Al Jazeera
February 20, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Ramadan in Gaza City brings little joy for families like Nisreen Nassar’s, who continue to live in displacement and hardship despite a US-brokered ceasefire agreement. Four months after the truce took effect, Nassar and her family remain sheltered in an abandoned school, cooking over open fires with limited resources. The holy month, meant to be a time of reflection and community, has instead brought renewed struggles for many Palestinians, including severe shortages of fuel and supplies.
Nassar’s family, like thousands of others, was forced to flee their home in Beit Hanoon during Israel’s offensive last October. They’ve been displaced multiple times since, moving from one temporary shelter to another. Their current situation is dire: they sleep on cold classroom floors, rely on humanitarian aid for basic needs, and face constant fear due to Israeli gunfire violating the ceasefire. The children, who once enjoyed simple joys like playing outside or attending school, now live in fear of stepping into danger.
The broader context of Gaza’s crisis is alarming. Over 600 Palestinians have been killed since the ceasefire began, and thousands more remain displaced. Humanitarian conditions are deteriorating rapidly, with limited access to essential supplies and medical care. The Nassar family’s story reflects the struggles of countless others in Gaza, who endure daily hardships despite international agreements aimed at bringing peace.
This Ramadan, for many Palestinians, is a stark reminder of their ongoing suffering. Despite the spiritual significance of the holy month, families like the Nassars find little solace in their temporary shelters. Their resilience in the face of such adversity highlights the urgent need for global attention and action to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The situation underscores the broader challenges faced by Palestinians in achieving stability and security, making it a critical issue for readers interested in global affairs and human rights.
Verticals
worldpolitics
Originally published on Al Jazeera on 2/20/2026