Eid in Gaza Amid Conflict and Scarcity: A Devastating Celebration
Gaza marks Eid al-Adha with outdoor prayers amidst destruction and severe shortages. The holiday, which commemorates Prophet Ibrahim's willingness to sacrifice his son, is traditionally celebrated with family gatherings, sacrifices, and festive meals. However, this year, Palestinians face unprecedented hardships due to ongoing Israeli attacks, blockade, and economic collapse. Many families, like that of Ayman Shallah, who lost his wife and was injured in Israeli bombings, are displaced and unable to access basic food supplies such as flour and meat. Shallah describes this Eid as the worst in his life, sharing a modest meal of lentils and bread while mourning the loss of loved ones. Similarly, Muhammad al-Ghoz, displaced and unable to afford meat or flour, can barely survive on donated food, and his Eid is marked by scarcity and hardship. Palestinians abroad, like Muhammad Obaid in Germany, experience a sense of loss and helplessness, unable to be with their families or uphold traditional Eid customs. The ongoing siege, military violence, and economic blockade have turned what should be a joyous occasion into a somber and painful reminder of the ongoing conflict and suffering in Gaza.
Trend: eid