GAZA: Gazans faced a somber Eid al-Fitr on Wednesday as Israel continued its relentless bombardment of the territory, resulting in the deaths of at least 14 more Palestinians, including children, in a strike on a residential home, the territory’s health ministry stated, AFP reported.
Despite the rain, Gazans attempted to observe the end of the holy month of Ramadan with prayers and festivities, but the grim reality of the ongoing conflict cast a shadow over the holiday. An AFP photographer documented the aftermath of the bombing in Nuseirat refugee camp, where grieving family members mourned the loss of innocent lives.
With the United Nations warning of an impending famine in the besieged territory, food scarcity added to the hardships faced by Gaza’s 2.4 million residents, many of whom are displaced and living in cramped conditions.
Father-of-four Ahmed Qishta lamented the lack of joy during what should have been a festive occasion, noting the scarcity of traditional Eid treats and the grim atmosphere caused by the ongoing Israeli violence.
Abir Sakik, who fled her home in Gaza City and now resides in a tent in Rafah, described the difficulty of celebrating Eid amidst the devastation and loss. Despite the challenges, she emphasized the resilience of the Gazan people and their determination to find moments of happiness amid the suffering.
Meanwhile, tens of thousands of worshippers gathered at Jerusalem’s Al-Aqsa mosque compound for morning prayers, though many expressed sadness over the ongoing conflict and its impact on Palestinian communities.
In the occupied West Bank, Palestinians marked Eid with solemn prayers at cemeteries, remembering those who have lost their lives since the start of the Gaza war.
Since October 7, Israel’s relentless campaign of bombardment has killed at least 33,482 Palestinians in Gaza, with the majority being women and children, according to the health ministry.
