How one displaced family in Gaza is observing Ramadan's first day under a fragile ceasefire deal

KHAN YOUNIS, Gaza Strip (AP) — Waleed al Zamli longingly recalled the joys and traditions of the first day of Ramadan before the Israel-Hamas war had drastically altered his life: Lanterns for the children. Sweets. Special dishes.

“Before the war, we would greet it with happiness,” the father of 11 said, speaking from Muwasi, an area crowded with tents sheltering Palestinians who were forced by the Israeli military offensive to flee their homes.

Not anymore, he said.

It saddens and pains him that he's unable to provide for his family, which now ekes out an existence in displacement. Al Zamli lost his job after the shop where he had worked was destroyed, he said.

So, for the first Ramadan “iftar,” the fast-breaking meal, his wife picked up meals Wednesday from a charity kitchen that the family has heavily depended on. She made soup to go with it.

“This year, there’s no happiness,” al Zamli said.

Ramadan arrived in Gaza under a fragile ceasefire deal, but many Palestinians there say the month's typically festive spirit is eluding them as they grapple with the hardships of their daily lives and the grief and losses of the war.

Some of these difficulties were on display at the charity kitchen where dozens crowded, many with their arms outstretched as they vied for a spot and held empty pots. They included children, women and elderly people.

During Ramadan, observant Muslims fast daily from dawn to sunset. It’s a time for increased worship, religious reflection and charity. In normal circumstances, the month often brings families and friends together to break their fast in joyous gatherings.

But circumstances in Gaza are far from normal. Israel’s military offensive has killed more than 72,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry, and caused widespread destruction and displaced most of the territory’s residents. Israel launched the offensive after Hamas-led militants killed some 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and took another 251 hostage in their attack on Oct. 7, 2023.

For al Zamli, the biggest challenge this Ramadan is providing food for his family. He said he's received limited aid. Foods, like meat and poultry, are more expensive than their prewar prices, he said, and with no income many items are beyond his reach.

“The children want to feel happy like other people’s children, to get dressed and to eat something clean and special,” he said.

The financial strain can be especially amplified during Ramadan, he said. Typically, many shoppers throng to markets to stock up on food staples and buy decor and other supplies. Food can play a central role as the daily fasting gives way to nourishing, and for some elaborate, iftar meals. Muslims also eat a predawn meal known as “suhoor” to nurture their bodies ahead of the fast.

As Gaza residents visited markets this week, some lamented how economic woes cast a pall on the month.

Still, amid the struggles, some in the Gaza Strip have worked to bring a taste of the month's festivities — for example, hanging strands of Ramadan decorations among the ruins. At their displacement camp, al Zamli's children played with empty soda cans fashioned to look like Ramadan lanterns.

The Oct. 10 U.S.-brokered ceasefire deal attempted to halt more than two years of war between Israel and Hamas. While the heaviest fighting has subsided, the ceasefire has seen almost daily Israeli fire.

Israeli forces have carried out repeated airstrikes and frequently fire on Palestinians near military-held zones, killing more than 600 Palestinians, according to Gaza health officials. The ministry, which is part of the Hamas-led government, maintains detailed casualty records that are seen as generally reliable by U.N. agencies and independent experts. But it does not distinguish between civilians and militants.

Militants have carried out shooting attacks on Israeli troops, and Israel says its strikes are in response to that and other violations. Four Israeli soldiers have been killed.

Despite some much-needed respite under the shaky ceasefire deal, many daily struggles, big and small, persisted.

Al Zamli said the war has deprived him and his family of many things. A son-in-law, he said, was killed, shortly after he married his now-widowed daughter.

This Ramadan, he will pray “for the bloodshed to end … and to feel security, safety, and tranquility” and “to be able to provide good food and clothes for our children.”

Fam reported from Cairo. Associated Press journalist Mohammad Jahjouh in Muwasi, Gaza Strip, contributed.

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Associated Press religion coverage receives support through the AP’s collaboration with The Conversation US, with funding from Lilly Endowment Inc. The AP is solely responsible for this content.

Displaced members of the Al-Zamli family break their fast on the first day of Ramadan inside their tent in Khan Younis, Gaza Strip, Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2026. (AP Photo/Jehad Alshrafi)

Palestinian children play with fireworks as they celebrate the Muslim holy month of Ramadan in Khan Younis, Gaza Strip, Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2026. (AP Photo/Abdel Kareem Hana)

Displaced members of the Al-Zamli family break their fast on the first day of Ramadan inside their tent in Khan Younis, Gaza Strip, Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2026. (AP Photo/Jehad Alshrafi)

Displaced Palestinian struggle to receive donated food for iftar, the fast-breaking meal, on the first day of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan at a community kitchen in Khan Younis, Gaza Strip, Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2026. (AP Photo/Jehad Alshrafi)

Palestinians sit at a long table amid the rubble of destroyed buildings as they gather for iftar, the fast-breaking meal, on the first day of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan in Khan Younis, Gaza Strip, Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2026. (AP Photo/Abdel Kareem Hana)

DAEGU, South Korea--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Apr 8, 2026--

The Daegu Music Association announced that it has officially opened online applications for the 44th Daegu International Vocal Music Competition (DIVMC) 2026, inviting vocal majors from around the world to participate in one of Korea’s leading international vocal competitions.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260408823623/en/

Founded in 1983, the competition has become a premier platform for discovering emerging vocal talent and serves as a flagship cultural event of Daegu, a UNESCO City of Music. In 2024, the competition joined the World Federation of International Music Competitions (WFIMC), further strengthening its international credibility.

For the 2026 edition, the competition introduces a video-based preliminary round to eliminate geographic restrictions. Applications are accepted from March 11 to April 12 through the official competition website. Successful applicants will advance to global semi-final rounds held in New York (May 22), Milan (June 18–19), and Daegu (August 14–15). The Grand Final will take place on August 21 at the Daegu Concert House Grand Hall, where finalists will perform with orchestra before an international jury.

This year’s competition has attracted significant attention with the appointment of legendary tenor Francisco Araiza as Chairman of the Jury. Celebrated for his performances of Mozart and Rossini repertoire, Araiza has performed at major opera houses, including the Vienna State Opera and the Metropolitan Opera.

The competition offers a total prize fund of approximately KRW 60 million, with First Prize receiving the Prime Minister’s Award and KRW 25 million. Beyond the monetary prize, winners will be granted valuable career pathways, including casting opportunities with the Bologna Academy in Italy and debut engagements with the Seoul Metropolitan Opera and the Daegu Opera House.

Further details and application guidelines are available at:
www.daegumusic.com

The Grand Final will take place on August 21 at the Daegu Concert House Grand Hall where finalists will perform with orchestra before an international jury (Image: Daegu International Vocal Music Competition)