A Palestinian boy holds a Ramadan lantern at a market ahead of the Islamic holy month of Ramadan in Gaza City, on April 4, 2021.(Photo: Xinhua)

 

Palestinians visit a market ahead of the Islamic holy month of Ramadan in Gaza City, on April 4, 2021.(Photo: Xinhua)

 

Palestinians visit a market ahead of the Islamic holy month of Ramadan in Gaza City, on April 4, 2021.(Photo: Xinhua)

 

A Palestinian vendor shows a Ramadan lantern at a market ahead of the Islamic holy month of Ramadan in Gaza City, on April 4, 2021.(Photo: Xinhua)

 
About a week ahead of the Islamic holy month of Ramadan, Palestinians in Gaza City throng to the markets for Fanoos, a traditional colourful lantern used to decorate homes during the Muslim fasting month.

As with the last Ramadan, the grand occasion of this year is expected to be under the shadow of COVID-19 in the besieged Palestinian enclave. But joy, optimism, and most importantly, hope are still seen on the faces of the people here.