Ramadan is the holy month of fasting for Muslims. The month- long fast begins with the sighting of the new crescent moon called hilal and ends when the new crescent moon is sighted. Once the moon has been sighted, the celebration known as Eid al-Fitr begins, marked with morning prayers, feasts, and charity. At least for the rest of the world. 

During Ramadan, lasting from February 18, 2026, until March 19, 2026, Israel heavily restricted worship, food and aid. As well as closing the Al-Aqsa Mosque. Al-Aqsa Mosque is located in the Old City of Jerusalem and has been a staple Mosque in Palestine for centuries. 

Muslims fast from Fajr, the first prayer, until Maghrib, the fourth prayer, or sunrise to sunset. No food, water, or any drink, gum, smoke, or sexual interactions during this time. When the fast is broken at sunset, Iftar, Muslims eat until Suhoor, the morning before fasting begins. Israel’s blocking of food from entering is starving these people quickly. 

Since the original blockade in October 2023, Israel has only allowed food into Palestine during ceasefires or interventions by organizations like the World Kitchen Organization, the United Nations, and Doctors Without Borders.

Eid is typically celebrated at mosques with the community to celebrate the end to fasting. With the mosque closed and many other mosques destroyed by bombs from Israel, Palestinians pray and celebrate in the rubble, as there are almost no uncovered streets. 

Since October 2023, over 3,000 entire Palestinians have been completely wiped from existence, over 7,000 people have no surviving family members, and over 20,000 children have no surviving parents or family. Many choose to spend Eid this year in the cemetery where bright yellow flowers have bloomed. 

Many of those in Lebanon also face similar tragedies. Instead of celebrations, it is spent remembering loved ones, finding somewhere safely to pray and food to eat. 

This is the reality for those under the oppression of Israel. Ramadan, Eid and life existence is not allowed. These everyday normalities have become a bright red target.