First Ramadan after truce brings flicker of joy in devastated Gaza

Today, I can barely prepare a main dish and a side dish.

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Everything is expensive. I can't invite anyone for Iftar or suhoor, says Nivin; despite all the destruction, suffering in Gaza, Ramadan is still special: MahaLittle Ramadan lanterns and string lights appeared on streets lined with collapsed buildings and piles of rubble in Gaza City, bringing joy and respite as Islam's holiest month began — the first since October's ceasefire.

In the Omari Mosque, dozens of worshippers performed the first Ramadan morning prayer, fajr, bare feet on the carpet but donning heavy jackets to stave off the winter cold.

"Despite the occupation, the destruction of mosques and schools, and the demolition of our homes... we came in spite of these harsh conditions," Abu Adam, a resident of Gaza City who came to pray, told AFP.

"Even last night, when the area was targeted, we remained determined to head to the mosque to worship God," he said.

A security source in Gaza told AFP Wednesday that artillery shelling targeted the eastern parts of Gaza City that morning.

The source added that artillery shelling also targeted a refugee camp in central Gaza.