GAZA (SW) – As Muslims across the world welcome Ramadan, the holy month is received differently by Palestinians in the Gaza Strip.
With at least 1.7 million people displaced, more than 31,000 killed, and famine in northern Gaza, families have little food or water to break their fasts with.
“This year’s Ramadan is different from previous years,” said Emad al-Najjar, a displaced Palestinian from northern Gaza. “We are far away from our loved ones, our families, relatives and friends in the north. Everything is different.”
As Israel continues to block enough aid from entering Gaza, the little food available in markets is unaffordable.
“I came here to buy but I can’t find anything to buy,” Sufian al-Yazji said. “There’s nothing, no dates or milk, or anything. One can’t find anything for their children. All these canned goods are full of germs that infect the stomach. We need vegetables and fruits to feed our children because they’ve weakened and will die from hunger.”
‘Patients in dire need for blood transfusion’ in Gaza
The Gaza Strip has 1,100 patients with chronic kidney disease who need three treatments a week.
Patients suffering from chronic kidney disease are dependent on life-saving dialysis treatment and that’s under threat because of Israel’s siege on Gaza.
Israeli’s attacks on Gaza have left majority of hospitals out of service. The few that remain partly operational are facing severe shortages of medicine, supplies and medical staff.
“Three members of my family must have their blood cleansed,” a Palestinian told Al Jazeera. “The journey to the hospital is a challenge. A shortage of food and nutrition and a lack of clean water all adds to our suffering. We are losing weight and hit with fatigue and exhaustion. Many patients are now in a dire need for blood transfusion, which is not available.”
