Loss, worry and prayers for better days mark Ramadan's start as fragile ceasefire holds in Gaza

For Palestinians observing Ramadan in Gaza, the Muslim holy month started this year under a fragile ceasefire agreement that paused more than 15 months of the Israel-Hamas war. Compared to last Ramadan, many found relief in the truce — but there is also worry and fear about what’s next and grief over the grave losses, raw wounds and numerous scars left behind. Some lamented harsh living conditions and economic hardships. Others are searching for ways to bring some Ramadan cheer and make ends meet. Those efforts saw a setback on Sunday as Israel cut off all aid and other supplies to Gaza to pressure Hamas to accept a new proposal to extend the first phase of the ceasefire.