Amid ruins of war, collective suhoor marks start of Ramadan in Gaza’s Khan Younis

GAZA CITY, Palestine

In a powerful display of resilience, residents of Khan Younis in southern Gaza gathered for the first collective suhoor (pre-dawn meal before fasting) of Ramadan on Saturday, surrounded by the ruins of homes destroyed in Israel’s genocidal war on the enclave.

Despite the devastation, locals adorned the streets with Ramadan lanterns and illuminated ornaments, determined to preserve the spirit of the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan.

“Despite the destruction and war, we insisted on bringing happiness to our people by organizing this collective suhoor amid the rubble,” Suleiman Al-Farra, a volunteer with the Jordanian Relief Initiative, told Anadolu.

“We tried to bring some joy to displaced families and those whose homes were destroyed by the war. We set up decorations and lighting to create a festive atmosphere,” he added.

Dozens of Palestinians, including many children, gathered around a long communal table beside the wreckage of their homes, showcasing solidarity and defiance in the face of hardship.

“With Allah’s grace and the support of those who stand with the Palestinian people, we were able to bring joy to the children through this communal suhoor,” said Abu Sufyan, an elderly Gazan.

“Despite the bloodshed and destruction, we refused to let sorrow overshadow our spirits. Before the war, we used to do this, and we remain committed to continuing these traditions, both before and after the war,” he told Anadolu.

This Ramadan arrives with mixed emotions for Palestinians — gratitude for the holy month, but deep sorrow over the devastation and loss inflicted by Israel’s relentless assault.

In preparation for Ramadan, municipalities across Gaza have been working to clear debris and decorate streets, hoping to restore a sense of normalcy. However, the destruction is overwhelming, with nearly 88% of the enclave’s infrastructure — homes, institutions, and essential services — reduced to rubble.

A ceasefire and prisoner exchange agreement has been in place since last month, temporarily halting Israel’s genocidal war on Gaza, which has killed more than 48,360 people, mostly women and children, and left the enclave in ruins.

Last November, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza.

Israel also faces a genocide case at the International Court of Justice for its actions in the enclave.

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