On Eid al-Adha, Gazans Find Little to Celebrate

The Muslim holiday of Eid typically involves the joyous slaughtering of an animal to share its meat with loved ones and the needy. However, in Gaza, the ongoing Israeli offensive has left many residents struggling with hunger and loss. Since the war began on October 7, following a Hamas-led attack that Israel estimates killed 1,200 people, Gazans have faced relentless bombardments and severe deprivation. According to Gazan health authorities, more than 37,000 people have been killed, and hunger is widespread. The United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) recently highlighted the dire situation on social media, stating, “With continued restrictions to humanitarian access, people in Gaza continue to face desperate levels of hunger,” and noting that over 50,000 children require treatment for acute malnutrition.

On Sunday, the Israeli military announced a daily pause in operations near a southern Gaza border crossing to allow more aid into the territory. However, it remains unclear how much additional aid will get through. The U.N. World Food Program warned last week that southern Gaza could soon face catastrophic hunger levels similar to those already seen in the north.

Amidst the devastation, many Gazans cling to hope, spurred by reports of negotiations and proposed cease-fire deals between Israel and Hamas. Yet, each passing holiday, including Christmas and Easter for Gaza’s small Christian population, underscores the deepening entrenchment of the conflict. For example, Adnan Abdul Aziz, 53, from Deir al Balah in central Gaza, used to buy a lamb for Eid. On the morning of Eid, his family would eat lamb liver for breakfast and prepare a traditional Palestinian dish for lunch, sharing the rest with family, friends, and the needy. This year, however, due to the lack of electricity and higher market prices, Mr. Abdul Aziz must buy food daily, based on what is available and affordable. The loss of festive traditions is keenly felt.

“There are family visits and gatherings, giving money to the kids, buying new clothes for everyone, making sweets, and performing Eid prayers,” he said. “None of this is doable this year. Everyone is sad and has lost someone or something.”

Aya Ali Adwan, 26, got engaged before the war began. Her wedding, set for February, has been postponed due to the conflict. Originally from northern Gaza, her family has fled eight times during the war. They are now sheltering in a cramped tent in Deir al Balah, where the heat approaches 95 degrees Fahrenheit, making conditions unbearable. “My spirits are shattered,” she said. “We should be busy with Eid preparations, like baking cookies, cleaning the house, and buying clothes. But this year, there is nothing.”

Many relatives who would have visited during Eid have been killed in the war.

“Right now, the only thing we need is to feel safe, even though we lack everything,” she said. “The only thing we need is for the war to stop and for us to return to our homes.”

Broader Implications and the Humanitarian Crisis

The ongoing conflict in Gaza has broader implications, affecting not only immediate humanitarian needs but also long-term stability and peace in the region. International aid organizations have struggled to provide necessary assistance due to continuous bombardments and restrictions on humanitarian access. The lack of infrastructure, compounded by the blockade, has resulted in a crippling shortage of basic supplies, including food, medicine, and clean water.

Children are among the most affected, with many suffering from malnutrition and psychological trauma. Schools and hospitals have been destroyed or severely damaged, further exacerbating the crisis. The UN and other international bodies have called for urgent measures to ensure the delivery of humanitarian aid and to protect civilians from ongoing violence.

The Role of the International Community

The international community has a crucial role to play in addressing the crisis in Gaza. Diplomatic efforts to broker a ceasefire and negotiate peace are essential. Additionally, increased pressure on all parties to allow humanitarian access and protect civilian lives can help alleviate some of the immediate suffering. Long-term solutions must also focus on addressing the root causes of the conflict, promoting economic development, and ensuring human rights for all residents of the region.

The Muslim holiday of Eid, usually a time of joy and community, has become a stark reminder of the harsh realities faced by the people of Gaza. As the conflict continues, the immediate need for humanitarian aid and the long-term quest for peace remain critical. The stories of individuals like Adnan Abdul Aziz and Aya Ali Adwan highlight the personal toll of the war, reminding the world of the urgent need for a resolution that can bring safety, stability, and hope back to Gaza.

This essay provides a comprehensive look at the impact of the ongoing conflict in Gaza on the celebration of Eid and daily life, emphasizing the humanitarian crisis and the need for international intervention to support peace and relief efforts.