The Muslim holy month of Ramadan begins in Gaza amidst ongoing conflict and a dire humanitarian crisis. The situation in the besieged Palestinian territory is critical, with fighting between Israeli forces and Hamas militants continuing to escalate. As the fasting month commences, a Spanish charity ship loaded with food aid is preparing to sail from Cyprus to Gaza, where the UN has warned of famine.
Limited supplies have been allowed into Gaza since October, when Israel imposed a near-total siege on the territory. Aid groups emphasize that the current level of assistance falls far short of meeting basic humanitarian needs. The lack of access to essential supplies has left Gaza residents struggling to survive, especially as Ramadan begins.
The Spanish NGO Open Arms plans to deliver 200 tons of food to Gaza in partnership with the US charity World Central Kitchen. Meanwhile, other countries like Jordan, the US, France, Belgium, and Egypt have conducted aid airdrops in northern Gaza. However, some of the food packages dropped from planes were damaged upon impact, forcing residents to salvage what they could from the dirt.
The conflict that began with a Hamas attack on Israel in October has resulted in significant casualties on both sides. The health ministry in Hamas-ruled Gaza reports that over 31,000 Palestinians, mostly women and children, have been killed. Talks mediated by the US, Qatar, and Egypt aimed to secure a truce and the release of hostages held by militants. However, reaching a ceasefire agreement has proven challenging, with both sides failing to meet each other’s demands.
As Ramadan unfolds, the suffering in Gaza weighs heavily on the minds of Muslims worldwide. President Joe Biden expressed solidarity with the Palestinian people during this difficult time. In Saudi Arabia, King Salman called for international action to end the violence and establish safe humanitarian corridors. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres also extended his support to those affected by the conflict, emphasizing the importance of shared humanity during Ramadan.
Tensions between Israel and the US have escalated, with President Biden expressing impatience with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s handling of the situation. Netanyahu defended Israel’s military actions against Hamas, citing the need to eliminate terrorist threats. The ongoing conflict has taken a toll on innocent lives on both sides, further complicating efforts to reach a lasting peace agreement.
As Gaza faces unprecedented challenges this Ramadan, the international community must step up efforts to alleviate the suffering of its residents. The urgent need for humanitarian aid underscores the importance of finding a peaceful resolution to the conflict. Despite the obstacles ahead, hope remains that a ceasefire will be achieved, allowing Gaza to rebuild and recover from the devastation of war.