Gaza Children Find Joy Through Simple Ramadan Lanterns
For many residents of Gaza, this marks the third Ramadan since the latest chapter of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict erupted on 7 October 2023. Despite an Israel-Hamas ceasefire that came into effect in October 2025 and the various ongoing hardships, residents and artists are striving to preserve the spirit of the holy month through creative and communal activities.
In Khan Younis, southern Gaza Strip, Rehan Shorrab (33) transforms empty cardboard boxes — previously used to deliver humanitarian aid — into colourful Ramadan lanterns.
"I have lost my home and several family members, but I want to bring a little happiness to children who are suffering because of the war," Shorrab told Xinhua. "Ramadan should still bring warmth to their hearts."
She fashions the lanterns from cardboard, decorating them with locally gathered fabrics, carefully cutting, shaping, and assembling each piece into intricate patterns. Some lanterns are displayed outside her tent for children to take free of charge, whilst others are sold to help support her five-member family.
"The happiness I see in the children's eyes when they carry their lanterns gives me an indescribable sense of fulfilment," she said. "Sometimes, just hearing a child laugh makes me feel that everything I have done is truly worthwhile."
One of the children who has benefited from her work is Yasser Bashir, who received a lantern free of charge.
"The lantern makes us feel part of the celebration, despite all the difficulties around us," he said.
Similar efforts have also emerged in Gaza City in the northern Gaza Strip, where Hussam Ali crafts lanterns from scrap metal and wood.
"I do this for the children," said Ali, who invites children to help decorate the lanterns, allowing them to weave in their own stories and memories.
These individual efforts are complemented by community projects. In the Al-Sa'afin neighbourhood of Khan Younis, a group of Palestinian artists launched a project to paint brightly coloured lanterns on the ruins of bomb-damaged houses.
"Painting lanterns on walls is not merely art — it is a message of hope for children," said Mohammed Al-Najjar, one of the artists. "We want children to see that Ramadan remains a joyful time, even after everything they have been through."
Children often help choose the designs and participate in the painting process, giving them a sense of agency and brief respite amid the destruction.
These initiatives take place against a backdrop of continuing hardship. Many Palestinians are still surviving among the rubble and under various restrictions imposed through the blockade, whilst striving to maintain daily routines and traditional celebrations.
Organisers outlined that their primary objective is to bring happiness to children, particularly those whose childhoods have been overshadowed by war. Experts say such efforts can alleviate the psychological impact of conflict and strengthen family and community bonds through shared activities.
"Although the war has not fully ended and most of the destruction remains, these activities provide children with hope, distraction, and a sense of normality," said Rana al-Haddad, a Gaza-based psychologist.
"Whilst the future remains uncertain in the Gaza Strip, initiatives such as making Ramadan lanterns offer a small but meaningful way for children to experience happiness, optimism, and a sense of togetherness in a challenging environment," she added.
In Khan Younis, southern Gaza Strip, Rehan Shorrab (33) transforms empty cardboard boxes — previously used to deliver humanitarian aid — into colourful Ramadan lanterns.
"I have lost my home and several family members, but I want to bring a little happiness to children who are suffering because of the war," Shorrab told Xinhua. "Ramadan should still bring warmth to their hearts."
She fashions the lanterns from cardboard, decorating them with locally gathered fabrics, carefully cutting, shaping, and assembling each piece into intricate patterns. Some lanterns are displayed outside her tent for children to take free of charge, whilst others are sold to help support her five-member family.
"The happiness I see in the children's eyes when they carry their lanterns gives me an indescribable sense of fulfilment," she said. "Sometimes, just hearing a child laugh makes me feel that everything I have done is truly worthwhile."
One of the children who has benefited from her work is Yasser Bashir, who received a lantern free of charge.
"The lantern makes us feel part of the celebration, despite all the difficulties around us," he said.
Similar efforts have also emerged in Gaza City in the northern Gaza Strip, where Hussam Ali crafts lanterns from scrap metal and wood.
"I do this for the children," said Ali, who invites children to help decorate the lanterns, allowing them to weave in their own stories and memories.
These individual efforts are complemented by community projects. In the Al-Sa'afin neighbourhood of Khan Younis, a group of Palestinian artists launched a project to paint brightly coloured lanterns on the ruins of bomb-damaged houses.
"Painting lanterns on walls is not merely art — it is a message of hope for children," said Mohammed Al-Najjar, one of the artists. "We want children to see that Ramadan remains a joyful time, even after everything they have been through."
Children often help choose the designs and participate in the painting process, giving them a sense of agency and brief respite amid the destruction.
These initiatives take place against a backdrop of continuing hardship. Many Palestinians are still surviving among the rubble and under various restrictions imposed through the blockade, whilst striving to maintain daily routines and traditional celebrations.
Organisers outlined that their primary objective is to bring happiness to children, particularly those whose childhoods have been overshadowed by war. Experts say such efforts can alleviate the psychological impact of conflict and strengthen family and community bonds through shared activities.
"Although the war has not fully ended and most of the destruction remains, these activities provide children with hope, distraction, and a sense of normality," said Rana al-Haddad, a Gaza-based psychologist.
"Whilst the future remains uncertain in the Gaza Strip, initiatives such as making Ramadan lanterns offer a small but meaningful way for children to experience happiness, optimism, and a sense of togetherness in a challenging environment," she added.