By Micah Jonah, February 20, 2026
There is little joy and no respite for many Palestinian families in Gaza as they observe Ramadan under harsh conditions – months after a United States brokered ceasefire came into effect.
Just before sunset on Thursday, Nisreen Nassar crouched beside a makeshift oven, burning wood and scraps of plastic to bake bread for her family so they could break their fast. Instead of preparing meals in her home, she now shelters with her husband and seven children inside an abandoned school in Gaza City.
According to Al Jazeera, the Nassar family is among thousands of displaced Palestinians still living in schools and temporary shelters across northern Gaza. Many depend heavily on humanitarian aid and struggle to access cooking gas, making the preparation of the fast breaking meal known as Iftar extremely difficult.
Nassar told reporters that her family had hoped this Ramadan would be better than previous ones observed during the war, but described the current situation as even worse.
The family originally lived in Beit Hanoon in northeastern Gaza before the war between Israel and Hamas escalated in October 2023. Since then, they have reportedly been displaced multiple times, moving from Beit Hanoon to Rafah and later to Khan Younis before returning up north.
Gaza health authorities say more than 72,000 people have been killed since the war began. They also report that more than 600 Palestinians have died in Israeli attacks since the ceasefire took effect in October.
Nisreen’s husband, Thaer, said their children now sleep on classroom floors with only thin blankets for comfort. He added that fear persists despite the ceasefire, with his children reportedly afraid to step outside due to ongoing gunfire.
While diplomatic efforts continue, including recent discussions linked to initiatives by United States President Donald Trump, daily life for many in Gaza remains defined by displacement, hunger and uncertainty.
For families like the Nassars, this marks their third Ramadan spent away from home. With little clarity on when they may return or what remains of their properties; survival has replaced celebration as the dominant theme of the holy month.
