Gaza welcomes a Ramadan of bittersweet joy and lingering loss

In the crowded streets of Gaza City’s Omar El Mukhtar, Ahmed Daban busies himself with setting up Ramadan decorations on his stall.

Once an electrical engineer, Daban now earns a living selling sweets like qataief, a traditional Ramadan treat, after the devastating Israeli war on the besieged Strip. 

“I’m lucky to find a job that allows me to share joy and make a living, until the borders open, and I can return to my work,” says the 23-year-old. 

Daban reflects on the bittersweet nature of this year's Ramadan, which arrives during a fragile ceasefire, following 15 months of Israeli bombardment that killed over 48,000 Palestinians and caused widespread destruction. 

“Despite the pain of losing my brother and the destruction of my house, I try to stay optimistic and share joy with the people around me,” he tells Middle East Eye.

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