Palestine announces March 20 as first day of Eid al-Fitr 1447

Palestinian authorities confirmed that Friday, March 20, 2026, will mark the first day of Eid al-Fitr for 1447 Hijri, following the sighting of the new moon that signals the end of Ramadan.

This year, Ramadan for Palestinians has been defined by a “spiritual and physical siege,” as widespread closures and regional conflict transformed the month of worship into one of survival.

Aqsa Mosque closed for first time since 1967

For nearly three weeks, the Aqsa Mosque compound remained entirely closed to the public, including mosque staff, due to what authorities cited as a “security emergency.” The closure left the third-holiest site in Islam empty during major Friday prayers and Laylat al-Qadr.

Thousands of worshippers were forced to pray in the streets of the Old City, often facing dispersal by security forces. Jerusalem’s Old City became a “ghost town,” with hotel occupancy at just 2% and local markets largely shuttered.

Gaza and the West Bank face intensified hardships

In Gaza, families broke their fasts amid ruins or in overcrowded tents. Despite a fragile ceasefire, border closures in March halted aid, causing food prices to spike by more than 700% in some areas. Many families were unable to fully observe Iftar due to shortages.

In the West Bank, movement restrictions isolated entire villages, preventing families from gathering and blocking ambulances from reaching hospitals. With hundreds of mosques destroyed or closed, Taraweeh prayers moved to classrooms and open fields, often under the constant presence of surveillance drones.

For Palestinians, Ramadan 2026 has been not only a test of faith but a struggle to maintain religious and cultural identity under unprecedented restrictions.