Gaza faces its third Ramadan amid war and economic collapse

Published at: 18/02/2026 01:15 PM

The Gaza Strip begins a new Ramadan for the third consecutive year under the conflict that began in October 2023, in a scenario characterized by the war carried out mainly by the Zionist regime of Israel, which has generated thousands of Palestinian deaths, displacements and the deterioration of living conditions.

The normal social and commercial activities of the month are now taking place amidst bombings, shortages of goods and rising prices. Homes and businesses have been destroyed and many families have lost their income, which has reduced the purchasing power of the population, Digital Media reported.

The merchant Zaher al-Qudra reported that he had reopened his business in a temporary structure after the destruction of his house and store near the Khan Younis European Hospital. He estimated losses of around two million dollars. He explained that the traditional products of the month are difficult to find and that power cuts, together with weather conditions, compromise the conservation of the available items. He added that business activity remains almost paralyzed due to travel and lack of liquidity.

In addition to economic difficulties, the human impact of the conflict is compounded. Fouad Thabet, a resident of Deir al-Balah, is facing Ramadan after the death of his son in an air strike late last month. Munir Abu al-Ata, who lost his two children in a bombing of a mosque at the beginning of the war, said that this period has a greater emotional weight due to the absence of his relatives.

Economist Maher Al-Tabbaa highlighted that Ramadan is celebrated in a context of serious economic crisis. He indicated that unemployment is around 80% and that poverty has reached unprecedented levels. He also mentioned the significant increases in commodity prices, which have caused a strong recession in markets, despite the demand for essential goods.

In this context, the population tries to maintain the religious and family practices of the month while facing hardship, grief and prolonged instability.

Mazo News Team