GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip — Despite some easing of the restrictions imposed to contain the novel coronavirus outbreak in Gaza and the West Bank, mosques will remain closed and public gatherings banned during the Islamic holy month of Ramadan, which lasts from April 24 to May 23. The Palestinian Authority (PA) announced the closure of all West Bank mosques on March 17, and Hamas followed suit in Gaza on March 24, and the two governments had previously announced the closure of all halls and public markets earlier in March.

During an April 24 press conference in Ramallah, PA spokesman Ibrahim Melhem stressed the need for residents to perform their Ramadan religious and social rites at home. Although visits to relatives and iftars (breaking of the daily fast) are the norm during Ramadan, he noted that doing so this year threatened to broaden the spread of COVID-19. Melhem stressed that the government is counting on citizen awareness of the relevant restrictions and everyone abiding by them.

On April 22 in an interview with Al-Aqsa TV, Iyad al-Bazm, spokesman for the Interior Ministry in Gaza, emphasized how COVID-19 has necessitated implementing certain measures that have changed the atmosphere surrounding Ramadan and its customs. He expressed the hope that people will understand and cooperate with the competent authorities, as both are much needed. Bazm added that the police will be monitoring places where people are expected to gather, such as shops and restaurants, to prevent overcrowding and to enforce health safety measures.

Al-Monitor tried to contact Louay Zureikat, police spokesman on the West Bank, to inquire about police plans for Ramadan but got no response.