Ramadan/ Fasting in war, a society in a state of funeral

2024-03-10 08:35:00, Kosova & Bota CNA

In the days before the beginning of the month of fasting in the Islamic religion, Ramadan, in East Jerusalem it is calmer than other times. Unlike previous years, the narrow alleys are not decorated with holiday lights. "We don't feel that we are on the eve of Ramadan," says Um Ammar, crossing the street of the historic city of Al-Wad. The war in the Gaza Strip is preoccupying most people. The atmosphere is gloomy. Added to this is the uncertainty of how the holy month of fasting and prayers can be spent.

"We will break our fast in the evening, but many in Gaza do not have enough food," she says. "When people sit down at the table...This year is not Ramadan, it feels more like a funeral atmosphere."

According to the data of the Ministry of Health run by Hamas, during the attacks of Israel in Gaza, about 31,000 people have been killed, while aid organizations warn that a crisis of hunger is threatening. Israel's army is fighting the Islamist militant Hamas in this Palestinian territory, since on October 7, 2023, over 1,200 people were killed in Israel and 240 others were taken hostage. In addition to Israel, the USA and Germany, a number of other countries also classify Hamas as a terrorist organization.

Hope for a peaceful Ramadan

Hashem Taha has the same feeling as Um Ammar. He owns a small spice shop on Al-Wad Street: "Jerusalem feels very sad, the people in Gaza are part of us, we are a family and what we are seeing there affects us all," says Taha.

The merchants and residents of the historic city of Jerusalem have experienced many political upheavals and excesses of violence over the years. Their daily life is characterized by tensions. In the vicinity of Taha's shop, Israeli border policemen stop young Palestinians to check their identity. "They make life very difficult for us and constantly harass people," says Taha. But he hopes that the current calm in Jerusalem will continue during the month of Ramadan.

The events of recent months – terrorist acts by Hamas and the ensuing war in the Gaza Strip with many killed – cast a somber shadow on the holy month of fasting. This month starts with the first appearance of the new moon, which is expected on March 10 or 11.

In the past, tensions have centered on the Temple Mount, where the Al-Aqsa Mosque is one of Islam's holiest sites, and the Western Wall, which is Judaism's holiest site. During Ramadan several times a day thousands of Muslims more than 100,000 gather to pray in the square in front of the Al-Aqsa Mosque on the Temple Mount.

Israel promises to preserve the "sanctity of Ramadan"

In February Israel's Minister of National Security, far-right politician Itamar Ben-Gvir, imposed limits on the number of worshipers allowed to visit the holy site. Measures such as limiting the age of participants in prayer - have often led to confrontations between police and Palestinians

Hamas, for its part, again uses the importance of the Al-Aqsa mosque for Muslims, to present itself worldwide as the protector of the holy property. Last week, Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh, who lives in Qatar, called on Palestinians during a speech to march on the day of Ramadan to the Al-Aqsa mosque.

Last Tuesday, the government of Israel declared that it rejected the plans of the minister Ben Gvirs. "During the first week of the month of Ramadan, the faithful will be allowed to go to the Temple Mount in similar numbers as during other years," said a statement from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin's office every year. there is also a weekly assessment of security aspects" and measures can be taken accordingly.

Quiet and peaceful prayers

The religious representatives greeted: "We are happy that in the background of this blessed month some things have now become clear for Muslims, not least the fact that the gates of the Al-Aqsa Mosque will be open to all visitor," Scheich Azzam al-Khatib told DW in Jerusalem. Al-Khatib is director of the Jerusalem waqf, the Jordanian oversight authority for Islamic and Christian holy sites in Jerusalem and beyond. "Our goal is to pray there, to fast, and to enter the mosque fully stretched out in peace. And also to leave it redeemed," he says.

The start of Ramadan is also seen as a possible set day to negotiate a new deal between Israel and Hamas. A quick deal on a ceasefire and the release of the 134 Israeli hostages still being held in the Gaza Strip appears unlikely. at this time./DW