Palestinians celebrate Ramadan 2020
Smoked mackerels are seen before being sold during Ramadan. Photo by Ismael Mohamad/UPI
Palestinians receive a portion of soup passed out to families in need on May 5 during the Islamic holy month of Ramadan in Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip. Photo by Ismael Mohamad/UPI
A man hands out meals for Palestinians to break their fast during Ramadan. Photo by Ismael Mohamad/UPI
Palestinian boys line up to receive a portion of soup. Photo by Ismael Mohamad/UPI
Palestinians children receive soup during Ramadan. Photo by Ismael Mohamad/UPI
Palestinians children receive soup during Ramadan. Photo by Ismael Mohamad/UPI
Palestinians in need received soup during Ramadan. Photo by Ismael Mohamad/UPI
A Palestinian boy showcases Chinese-made "fanous" lanterns for sale in Khan Yunis in the southern Gaza Strip on Wednesday. The lanterns are used as decoration to celebrate the start of Ramadan. Photo by Ismael Mohamad/UPI
Palestinians shop for the holiday, which is marked by fasting during the day. Photo by Ismael Mohamad/UPI
Social distancing rules and shelter-in-place orders globally will force Muslims to celebrate Ramadan differently this year. Photo by Ismael Mohamad/UPI
The monthlong observance is among the most sacred practices. Photo by Ismael Mohamad/UPI
A Palestinian baker prepares "Qatayef," traditional pancakes that are popular during holiday. Photo by Ismael Mohamad/UPI
A vendor sells dried fruit. Photo by Ismael Mohamad/UPI
A craftsman fashions a traditional "fanous." Photo by Ismael Mohamad/UPI
The bright colors of a "fanous" give view to a lantern workshop. Photo by Ismael Mohamad/UPI
An overview of the empty plaza of the locked Al Aqsa Mosque compound, including the Dome of the Rock. Photo by Debbie Hill/UPI
More than 1.8 billion Muslims around the world are preparing for the holiest month of the year. Photo by Debbie Hill/UPI
Ramadan is the holy month-long period when the faithful fast in a time of spiritual discipline and reflection. Photo by Debbie Hill/UPI
Many Ramadan traditions will be altered for the pandemic, such as iftar, when the daily fast is broken, evening prayers at mosques, and Eid al-Fitr festivities at the end of the month. Photo by Debbie Hill/UPI
While some countries are locking down, Turkey plans to allow expatriates to return for the holy month. Photo by Debbie Hill/UPI
A woman walks through the Old City of Jerusalem wearing a mask. Photo by Debbie Hill/UPI
Muslim clerics have announced the Al Aqsa Mosque will remain closed for the holy month, beginning the evening of April 23. Photo by Debbie Hill/UPI
A vendor wears a mask as shoppers visit his stand in preparation for Ramadan. Photo by Debbie Hill/UPI
Robert Gates official photo.
U.S. Defence Secretary Robert Gates warned that limiting funding for the United States efforts in Iraq could lead to more bloodshed in the Middle Eastern country. In an interview with radio talk show host Laura Ingraham, he said it might even lead to ethnic cleansing in Bahgdad and elsewhere in Iraq.

Gates' comment followed a proposal from Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid to end most spending on the Iraq war in 2008, limiting it to targeted operations against al Qaeda, training for Iraqi troops and U.S. force protection.

Sec. Gates also said that the duration of the troop increase is not clear and that evaluating whether the Administration's new strategy was working will have to wait till mid-summer. The Army general charged with day-to-day operations has suggested that the increased deployment may extend to early next year.