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Ramadan amid rubble: UAE-based Palestinians describe how Gazans come together to end fast
For many, the war destroyed whatever little they had, and the future looks bleak and daunting
- PUBLISHED: Thu 6 Mar 2025, 12:10 PM
One of the most poignant scenes of Ramadan was the long, red-covered table stretching hundreds of metres as families in southern Gaza gathered to break their fast. Surrounded by the rubble and destruction of a 15-month war, these families held on to hope that they could slowly begin rebuilding their lives.
However, these feelings of hope were overshadowed by immense worry as many struggled to get by in their destroyed homes with limited resources.
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Palestinians in the UAE shared how their families were grappling to rebuild their lives, as Israel has now blocked the entry of all humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip. For many, the war destroyed whatever little they had, and the future looks bleak and daunting.
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“Some of my aunts are in the north of Gaza,” said Abu Dhabi resident Noor. “Their homes have been fully or partially destroyed. Some are missing a roof, while others have homes with no windows or doors. Everyone is trying to do the best they can and move forward. There is no food or water, so the most they can cook is soup. They are doing iftar on their own with whatever is available.”
However, despite the challenges, she said her family was happy. “They have seen so much in the last few months,” she said. “Simply being able to return to their land is everything for them. They have just a little bit less of the constant fear that they were living in.”
Gazan resident Bader said the situation on the ground was heartbreaking. “The images don’t fully reflect the reality,” she said. “People are eating among the rubble of their homes, without tables, lights, and any Ramadan decorations. There are so many who can’t afford food and who have lost their livelihoods, homes, and families.”
She explained that there were two communal iftars held in Gaza, but many families, including her own, were unable to participate. “One was held in Rafah by Al-Najat Charity, a Kuwaiti organisation, while a second was held by Qatar Charity,” she said. “My family didn’t participate because the iftar was too far from where they live in Deir Al-Balah.”
Food prices double
Meanwhile, the situation in Gaza remained precarious after the blockade of aid. Former UAE resident Yusuf Abu Hattab, who now lives there, said life had become very difficult. “Meat or chicken isn’t available anymore, and eggs are rare to find,” he said.
“Vegetables have also become really expensive. The minute the blockade was announced, everything got more expensive, and people rushed out to buy things while prices were still low. On the first day of Ramadan, my iftar was potatoes and meat. But I cannot make that anymore.”
Bader said her family was surviving on flour and canned foods. “Food prices have doubled,” she said. “Many tried to stock up on some items, but without electricity or fuel for refrigerators, it’s difficult to keep anything fresh. My family bought flour and canned goods, as they last longer than fresh food. They stocked up as much as they could before supplies ran out.”
She said they have been conserving electricity as much as possible. “We still have electricity, but not enough to last the whole day or power heavy appliances,” she said. “They use it only for lighting and charging their phones. They have only one working solar panel left, as the rest were destroyed when the house next to them was bombed, killing 15 people inside.”
Hind Aldah is a business reporter based in Sharjah. In her spare time, you will find her playing classical guitar, painting amateur oil paintings, or crocheting the same old scarf that leads nowhere.
