Gaza families break Ramadan fast amid ruins

In southern Gaza, a red dining table stretching hundreds of meters through piles of rubble creates a unique landscape. During the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, many families gather here to share Iftar, breaking their fast for the day.

In a neighborhood of Rafah, as the sun sets, hundreds of Palestinians of all ages sit around the table, enjoying their Iftar meal. The Israeli war on Gaza has almost completely destroyed all the buildings here, leaving only a few still standing.

"People feel very sad, and everything around them is heartbreaking," said Malak Farada, who organized the communal meal. "So, we decided to bring joy back to this street, just like before the war."

In Rafah, music emanates from speakers, spreading throughout the crowd. People sit on rows of plastic chairs, beneath colorful flags, Palestinian flags, and lights strung between the broken concrete. The United Nations has stated that Israeli bombing has displaced almost the entire population and triggered widespread hunger.

A ceasefire agreement that took effect on January 19 has allowed more aid to enter the devastated Palestinian territory, but hundreds of thousands of people still live in tents, and many are camped out on the ruins of their former homes. In the northern city of Beit Lahia, dozens of people defied hardship, gathering in the fading evening light to break their fast amid the remains of a partially collapsed building.

Mohammed Abu Jadayan stated, "We are amidst destruction and ruins, but despite the pain and trauma, we remain steadfast." He added, "We are having Iftar here on our land, and we will not leave this place."