After eight months of devastating war, Muslims in Gaza are preparing to mark Eid al-Adha, a major religious holiday that is traditionally celebrated by sharing meat with friends, family, and the needy. However, this year, the situation in Gaza is dire as hunger has gripped the region due to Israel’s military offensive and severe restrictions on aid entering the territory. Many residents, like Zaina Kamuni, do not feel like celebrating as they have not had meat in months and face ongoing challenges and hardships.
The ongoing conflict in Gaza, which began in October after an attack by Hamas on Israel, has resulted in intense bombardments, widespread death and destruction, and rampant hunger. The United Nations agency for Palestinian refugees, UNRWA, has highlighted the desperate levels of hunger facing the people of Gaza, particularly children who require treatment for acute malnutrition. Attempts to provide aid to the territory have been met with challenges, further exacerbating the suffering of the population.
Despite reports of negotiations and proposed cease-fire deals between Israel and Hamas, the situation in Gaza remains grim. Holidays like Eid al-Adha serve as a painful reminder of the entrenched nature of the conflict and the suffering endured by residents. In the past, families like Adnan Abdul Aziz’s would have celebrated Eid with feasting, family gatherings, and acts of kindness, but this year, the festivities are overshadowed by loss, hardship, and uncertainty.
For individuals like Aya Ali Adwan, the war has disrupted major life events, such as her engagement and postponed wedding. Forced to flee multiple times during the conflict, Aya and her family now find themselves sheltering in a tent in unbearable heat, far from the traditional Eid preparations and celebrations they would have engaged in under different circumstances. The ongoing violence and instability have also resulted in the loss of many relatives, further deepening the sense of grief and despair among Gaza’s population.
As Gazans face another Eid al-Adha under the shadow of war and hunger, many are calling for an end to the violence and a return to a sense of normalcy and safety. The longing for peace, security, and a chance to rebuild shattered lives and communities is palpable among those like Aya Ali Adwan, Zaina Kamuni, and Adnan Abdul Aziz, who yearn for a respite from the daily struggles and hardships brought on by the conflict. The ongoing cycle of violence, loss, and displacement has taken a toll on the mental, emotional, and physical well-being of Gaza’s residents, underscoring the urgent need for a lasting peace and humanitarian relief in the region.
