The month of Ramadan begins under the shadow of war in Gaza
Most Arab and Islamic countries announced that Monday is the first day of Ramadan, amid a sad atmosphere in light of the war in the Gaza Strip. Presidents, kings and leaders from various parts of the
world congratulated Muslims on the occasion of the Holy Month.
Saudi Arabia, the Emirates, Egypt, and most Gulf countries announced that Monday will be the first day of Ramadan this year, accompanied by a sad atmosphere in the region in light of the war in the Gaza Strip.
For its part, Iran announced that Tuesday will be the first day of the month of fasting in the country, which was also announced by the Sultanate of Oman and Libya.
Biden Schulz, King Salman, and Guterres congratulate The Saudi News Agency, SPA, reported a statement from the Royal Court, saying, “The Supreme Court decides that Monday, March 11, 2024, is the beginning of the blessed month of Ramadan for this year.”
The confirmation of the start of the month on Monday came after a controversy related to the inability to see the Ramadan crescent in a number of observatories in the Kingdom due to “cloudy weather and
dust particles.” The Supreme Court settled it by confirming the sighting of the crescent at the Al Majmaah University Astronomical Observatory in Riyadh.
In a message on the occasion of the month of fasting, Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz called on the international community to “assume its responsibilities” regarding the war that has been ongoing
between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip for five months. King Salman said, “While it pains us that the month of Ramadan comes this year, in light of the attacks our brothers in Palestine are suffering from, we stress the need for the international community to assume its responsibilities to stop these brutal crimes and provide safe humanitarian and relief corridors” for the residents of the Palestinian Strip who are threatened by famine.
In turn, US President Joe Biden congratulated Muslims around the world on the occasion of the month of Ramadan, saying in a statement that “the holy month is a time for contemplation and renewal, and this year it comes at a moment of great pain.”
In a video message, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres recalled that the month of fasting falls this year while many people in several countries are suffering “from Afghanistan to the Sahel region, and from the Horn of Africa to Syria and elsewhere” as a result of “wars, displacement and fear.”
“I would like to express a special message of solidarity and support to all those suffering from the atrocities in Gaza,” Guterres added. “In these difficult times, the spirit of Ramadan represents a beacon of
hope, a reminder of our common humanity.”
Similar to Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, Egypt, Yemen, and the Palestinian territories announced that Monday will be the first day of Ramadan, according to what was reported by the
official media in these countries, followed by Tunisia and Algeria, announcing that Monday is the beginning of Ramadan.
