Gaza faces another somber Eid

This year, there is no Eid. Only war. There is no money in hand, no work, and even our homes have been reduced to rubble. I have nothing left," said Al-Batash, a resident of southern Gaza, with a defeated sigh. It’s not just Al-Batash; this sentiment echoes in every household across Gaza. Every home in the besieged territory now bears the shadow of mourning due to Israel’s relentless attacks.

Some have lost their loved ones, others have lost their entire life's earnings and livelihoods. Some are injured, drowning in deep despair. Gaza is enveloped in sorrow this Eid al-Adha, overshadowed by desolation.

Even though Eid is meant to be a time of joy and celebration, for Gaza's children and residents, this Eid has become synonymous with grief and suffering. There is no clean water or sanitation facilities, insufficient food, and inadequate shelter. Every moment, Israeli forces bombard the enclave.

Carl Skau, Deputy Director of the World Food Programme, stated, "In Gaza's southern areas, nearly 1 million displaced people are trapped in dire conditions. The scale of destruction is disheartening."

For generations, Palestinians have fought for their independent state against Israeli aggression and killings. However, this time it seems that the aggression has crossed all limits of abuse and mass murder. In the ongoing conflict of eight months, Gaza's residents have managed to survive through the holy month of Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr. Now, Eid al-Adha arrives amid tightened restrictions, with Israel blocking aid supplies. Consequently, Eid happiness is far away, with Gazans busy struggling to survive hunger and save lives every moment.

According to Al Jazeera, a video shared on social media shows a Gaza child saying, "There is nothing left in Gaza like celebrating Eid or joy. We hoped the war would last a few days or weeks, but not months. We have already survived Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr and could not celebrate them."

The child further adds, "Now, Eid al-Adha is almost here, and we have nothing. No money to buy sacrificial animals or new clothes. There is nothing left for us except killings and destruction. Eid has arrived amidst grief and pain."

Osama Aboud, owner of a clothing store in Ramallah, said, "Compared to last year, sales have decreased by more than 70%, despite discounts. Demand is very low due to the shadow of war. We have no joy left. Few people are shopping for Eid and buying new clothes."

On Saturday, Gaza's Ministry of Health reported that since October 7, at least 37,296 people have been killed and 85,197 injured in Israeli military attacks. In the past 24 hours alone, 30 Palestinians have died and 95 have been injured