Eid Al-Fitr in Gaza: A Celebration Overshadowed by Devastation

Gaza, The Gulf Observer: Eid Al-Fitr, a day traditionally marked by joy, family reunions, and festive celebrations, is once again being observed under the dark cloud of destruction in Gaza. Instead of cheerful gatherings, the people of the besieged enclave face displacement, mourning, and fear due to relentless Israeli bombardment.

Footage emerging from Gaza shows Palestinians performing Eid prayers amid the rubble of destroyed mosques, in makeshift shelters, or at overcrowded schools. While the resilience of Gaza’s people continues to inspire the world, the prolonged suffering has made this year’s Eid especially painful.

“Eid was once a day of family reunions and visits, but it has now become a day of farewells and funerals,” said Nahla Abu Matar, a 28-year-old mother, speaking to Al Jazeera.

According to Gaza’s Health Ministry, at least 22 people were killed in Israeli airstrikes on the first day of Eid Al-Fitr alone. The intensified bombardment since March 18 has resulted in the deaths of more than 900 people, with over 1,300 others wounded.

The Gaza government’s media office has updated the overall death toll to a staggering 61,700, with thousands still buried beneath the ruins of their homes.