GAZA: Israeli airstrikes pounded Gaza on Wednesday as Muslims around the world celebrated Eid al-Fitr, marking the end of the holy fasting month of Ramadan and after US President Joe Biden labelled Israel’s approach to the war a “mistake”.
In Gaza, Palestinians gathered for morning prayers on the first day of the Eid al-Fitr amidst the ruins left by more than six months of Israeli bombardment since October 7. The devastation of the region has been profound, with tens of thousands displaced and infrastructure severely damaged.
Meanwhile, in Israeli-annexed east Jerusalem’s Al-Aqsa mosque compound, worshippers gathered in somber reflection rather than celebration. Nurse Rawan Abd described it as the “saddest Eid ever,” with many attending to support each other rather than rejoice, given the ongoing Israeli aggression.
Despite international efforts to broker a ceasefire and negotiate the release of hostages, Israeli forces continued their ground attacks and air strikes on Gaza. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reiterated his commitment to military action, vowing that no force in the world would prevent Israeli troops from entering the southern city of Rafah, densely populated with displaced Palestinians.
Biden’s criticism of Netanyahu’s handling of the conflict has intensified. The US President urged for an immediate ceasefire and unrestricted access for humanitarian aid into Gaza. Biden voiced his disagreement with Netanyahu’s approach in an interview with Spanish-language TV network Univision, recorded last week but aired Tuesday night.
Since October 7 when Israel launched relentless air strikes and ground invasion in Gaza, at least 33,360 Palestinians, mostly women and children, have been killed in Gaza, the territory’s health ministry reported. The humanitarian situation in Gaza has reached dire levels, with a siege imposed by Israel leading to severe shortages of food, water, fuel, and medicine.
Humanitarian groups have accused Israel of using starvation as a weapon of war in Gaza, exacerbating an already dire situation. UN experts warn that half of Gaza’s population is facing “catastrophic” food insecurity amidst the ongoing conflict.
