Hundreds gather in Khan Younis for a communal 'iftar' organised by a charity

Описание: (18 Feb 2026)
RESTRICTION SUMMARY:

ASSOCIATED PRESS
Khan Younis, Gaza Strip – 18 February 2026
1. Various of hundreds of Palestinians gathering at outdoor tables in Khan Younis ahead of a mass Iftar event
2. SOUNDBITE (Arabic) Bassam Al-Aqqad, Khan Younis resident:
”In the past, we used to gather for happy occasions like this. We were deprived of them, and last year we didn't have the opportunity. But this year, as you can see, thank God who brought us together with these people, to lift our spirits despite what we've been through.”
3. Various of Palestinians seated at tables, volunteers at work directing events
4. SOUNDBITE (Arabic) Hashim Al-Farra, Khan Younis resident:
” These are my children. I came to cheer them up, as a change of pace, to let them be happy a little after the war. Two and a half years of war is enough. Let them come and be happy for a little while. As you can see, they are happy.”
5. Various of families eating, sound of the adhan (call to prayer) in the background
6. SOUNDBITE (Arabic) Ahmad Zaqout, displaced from northern Gaza strip:
"You should be with your family at home. Part of the family is gone. One brother was martyred, another is wounded, and I have a brother in captivity. But we want to live and overlook our wounds and continue life. These simple things bring us back to the time we lived in.”
7. Various of families breaking fast
8. SOUNDBITE (Arabic) Atif Fayiq, Khan Younis resident:
” We've been in war for over two years. We've witnessed horrors. We're unable to cope with these difficult circumstances, so we had to participate in this mass iftar to improve our morale and the morale of our children, God willing.”
9. Various of families breaking fast on the first day of Ramadan
STORYLINE:
Hundreds gathered in the southern Gaza city of Khan Younis on Wednesday for "iftar", the fast breaking meal on the first day of Ramadan.

Rubble from destroyed homes was visible in the background as tables were lined up for a communal meal provided by a charity in the devastated territory.

Observant Muslims united around the world in a ritual of daily fasting from dawn to sunset through the month of Ramadan.

The start of the holy month traditionally depends on the sighting of the crescent moon.

This year, Ramadan in the Gaza Strip began on Feb. 18. while in other countries it will start on Thursday Feb 19.

It is the first Ramadan since a fragile US-brokered ceasefire deal that took effect October 10 attempted to halt more than two years of war between Israel and Hamas.

Khan Younis resident Hashim Al-Farra felt that after two years of war, his children deserved a moment of peace and joy at the beginning of Ramadan.

” These are my children. I came to cheer them up, as a change of pace, to let them be happy a little after the war. Two and a half years of war is enough. Let them come and be happy for a little while. As you can see, they are happy.”

While the heaviest fighting has subsided, the ceasefire has seen almost daily Israeli fire.

Israeli forces have carried out repeated airstrikes and frequently fire on Palestinians near military- held zones, killing more than 600 Palestinians, according to Gaza health officials.

Militants have carried out shooting attacks on troops, and Israel says its strikes are in response to that and other violations.

At least four Israeli soldiers have been killed.

For Muslims, Ramadan is a time for increased worship, religious reflection and charity. In normal circumstances, the month often brings families and friends together to break their fast in joyous gatherings.



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