IN PHOTOS: Ramadan in Asia and Gaza

The Muslim holy month of Ramadan, a period dedicated to fasting, reflection, and community, began at sunrise on Tuesday throughout much of Asia, a day later than in the Middle East.

This discrepancy stems from the Islamic lunar calendar’s reliance on moon sightings, which can lead to variations in the start date of observance.

While some nations in the Middle East initiated their fasts on Monday, countries in the Asia-Pacific region started Ramadan on Tuesday, due to the absence of the crescent moon the night before.

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During this revered month, Muslims engage in dawn-to-sunset fasting, emphasizing self-discipline, devotion, and compassion for the less fortunate. The evenings bring communal meals and gatherings, fostering a sense of unity and religious commitment, with a focus on prayer, introspection, and refraining from negative conduct to grow closer to God.

However, the observance of Ramadan in Gaza and other parts of Palestine is marked by profound adversity and distress.

In Gaza, what is traditionally the most cherished season, where the region would ordinarily shimmer with beauty, is now overshadowed by the grim reality of conflict.

The festive decorations and melodies that typically adorn the holy month have been supplanted by the chilling glow and noise of explosions.

The playful sounds of children in the streets have been tragically replaced with cries from the aftermath of bombardments.

Communities once vibrant with life now mirror graveyards, mosques stand empty or destroyed, and the streets, formerly alive with the hustle and bustle, are quieted by debris.

The fast extends beyond iftar not by choice, but from an acute scarcity of food and water. Amid these hardships, the essence of Ramadan—intended as a time for reflection, community, and peace—is profoundly challenged in Gaza.