Live Update 
From the Liveblog of
Tuesday, February 17, 2026
From the Liveblog of
Tuesday, February 17, 2026
Ramadan to begin tonight after new moon spotted
Add ToI as a Preferred Source on GoogleLazar Berman is The Times of Israel's diplomatic reporter
A vendor prepares his stall to sell sweets ahead of the upcoming Muslim holy month of Ramadan at Al-Jazmatiya market in Damascus, February 17, 2026. (AP/Ghaith Alsayed)
Official moon sighting committees in Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar announce that they have seen the new crescent moon, and that the Muslim holy month of Ramadan begins tonight.
Palestinian media reports that grand mufti of Jerusalem and the Palestinian territories likewise announced that the new moon has been sighted.
In Oman, however, the moon was not seen, so Ramadan will begin tomorrow night there.
The IDF publishes a social media post wishing those who celebrate a peaceful Ramadan.
The IDF wishes a peaceful Ramadan Kareem to all who celebrate! pic.twitter.com/A5gFp7VwuB
— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) February 17, 2026
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