Palestinians in the West Bank face a struggling Ramadan amid Israeli occupation [Getty]
As Ramadan arrives in the occupied West Bank, the Islamic month that brings joy, community, and spiritual reflection is overshadowed by despair, displacement, and economic hardship.
For many Palestinians in the region, this year’s Ramadan has been met with great challenges, leaving little room for celebration amid ongoing Israeli military operations disrupting daily life, displacing thousands, and sending food prices spiralling.
The violent attacks are part of Israel’s so-called Operation Iron Wall, which led to widespread destruction and the displacement of at least 45,000 people from Tulkarem and Nour Shams camps alone, according to the Palestinian News Agency.
One of those Palestinians affected is 58-year-old Muhammad Mansour from the Faraa Refugee Camp in Tubas, in northern West Bank, who lost his home during an Israeli assault.
Mansour is now living in a small, cramped room with his family. His house was turned into a military barracks by Israeli forces during their invasion, and when they left, they left behind only destruction.
“We are living in two small rooms with another displaced family,” Mansour tells The New Arab‘s Arabic language edition Al-Araby Al-Jadeed. Mansour also lost his job as a blacksmith during the Israeli military offensive against Gaza in October 2023, making it even harder for him to provide for his children, some of whom are attending university.
“The camp used to be alive with decorations, and the streets filled with people preparing for Ramadan. The mosques were crowded with worshippers, and the air was filled with the laughter of children,” Mansour said.
With the cost of living reaching unbearable prices and the constant threat of Israeli military operations, Palestinian families are unable to buy necessities for the sacred month of fasting.
Absence of loved ones
For other families in the West Bank, the struggle is amplified by the pain of loved ones killed in Israeli raids. Mamoun Shahin from Nablus, who lost his son, Abdul Hakim, to Israeli gunfire just months ago said: “Last Ramadan, my son was a prisoner. Now, he is a martyr.”
Abdul Hakim had been a religious figure in the community, often leading prayers at the local mosque. “He had a beautiful voice, and he loved to lead Taraweeh prayers during Ramadan. Now, I can only remember those moments with a heavy heart.”
Meanwhile, the economic conditions in the West Bank have only worsened in the wake of Israel’s aggressive military operations. The region faces high unemployment, rising prices, and delays in government salaries, putting further strain on Palestinian families.
Local charities and humanitarian organisations like The Zakat Committees in Nablus have stepped in to provide support, distributing food packages to families in need, while local mosques are organising Iftar meals for those who cannot afford to feed themselves.
“We are doing everything we can to bring some relief to the families who are struggling,” says Mohammed Al-Shinar, head of the Nablus Zakat Committee.
“This Ramadan, more people than ever are asking for help. The situation is dire, and we are relying on donations from Palestinians both inside and outside of the country to make a difference.”
