Little 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 ¡ª the first since October¡¯s ceasefire.

In the Omari mosque, dozens of worshippers performed the first Ramadan morning prayer, fajr, with 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,¡± said Abu Adam, a resident of Gaza City who came to pray.