Ramadan began in Palestine on Wednesday. Across occupied East Jerusalem and the West Bank, Israeli forces have increased their presence and carried out additional arrests in recent days.

Certain traditions associated with fasting have been targeted. That includes restricting the activity of the mesaharati, a volunteer who walks through the streets waking up neighbours in time for the morning prayer.

Yara Rashaa, a Jerusalem resident, told MEE that the increased regulations make this Ramadan “feel different to previous years”.

“We are walking through the streets and feeling like we are missing the beauty that was once here,” she said.

Decorations gave the city “flavour and life”, Rashaa added, noting the bittersweet atmosphere.

“It is somewhat lovely and somewhat miserable. We are not used to there being no decorations.”