Gaza's Eid al-Fitr Marked by Loss, Struggle, and Ongoing Bombing

Photo: Reuters

Many people in Gaza had little to celebrate during Eid al-Fitr, a special holiday that marks the end of Ramadan, because they were struggling with a lack of food and the ongoing Israeli bombing.

Instead of celebrating with family and feasts, many people prayed outside of destroyed mosques. On Sunday, at least 20 Palestinians were killed, most of them women and children.

Eid al-Fitr is usually a time for happiness, when families come together, enjoy big meals, and buy new clothes for their children. But for most of the two million people living in Gaza, survival was the main focus. "This is the Eid of Sadness," said Adel al-Shaer, after praying in the central town of Deir el-Balah. "We have lost our loved ones, our children, our homes, our schools, and our future. We have lost everything."

Stay informed with the latest news. Follow DXB News Network on WhatsApp Channel  

Adel shared that 20 members of his family have died because of Israeli attacks, including four young nephews who died just days ago. He broke down in tears as he spoke.

On March 18, Israel ended a brief two-month ceasefire and began bombing Gaza again. Since then, Israel has killed hundreds of Palestinians and has not allowed food, fuel, or other aid to enter Gaza for more than a month.

Efforts from Arab countries, including Egypt and Qatar, are trying to get the fighting to stop again. Hamas, the group in control of Gaza, said it accepted a new peace proposal, but details are not clear yet. Israel also has its own proposal, which is being discussed with help from the United States.

The situation is very bad in Gaza, with over 50,000 Palestinians killed in the conflict, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry.