Ramadan gets under way for hundreds of millions of Muslims

Muslim worshippers perform a night prayer called tarawih during the eve of the first day of the Muslim holy fasting month of Ramadan at Hagia Sophia mosque in Istanbul, Turkey (Emrah Gurel/AP)

Hundreds of millions of Muslims have begun the first daily fast of Ramadan.

It comes as parts of the Middle East approach crucial junctures in high-stakes peace negotiations during the holy month, traditionally a time of reconciliation.