Amid Devastation: Palestinians Struggle to Find Joy on Eid in Gaza's War-Torn Landscape

Mohammad is on a donkey-drawn cart, traveling down a damaged road with his few belongings salvaged from his destroyed home. Instead of celebrating Eid al-Fitr on Wednesday, it is a painful reminder of the losses suffered by many in Gaza.

"We will be observing Eid in a tent - there's nowhere else for us to go," Mohammad shared with CNN. "I never imagined I would have to spend Eid in such circumstances."

Mohammad has recently come back to Khan Younis, a city in central Gaza that was heavily bombed by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) until they pulled out on Sunday.

In the vicinity, a man is sifting through the remnants of his home that was destroyed. Among the rubble, he managed to salvage his daughter's Eid clothes, even though she won't be able to wear them.

"We are grateful to be alive for Eid," he expressed. "Although Ramadan was a challenging time of fatigue and hardship."

During Eid al-Fitr, Muslims come together to commemorate the conclusion of Ramadan and express their thanks to Allah. In Gaza, like in other Muslim regions, the day is usually celebrated by reuniting with family members and enjoying feasts together.

This year, homes in the enclave are destroyed, leaving 2.2 million people in Gaza struggling to find enough food to eat. A UN-backed report from last month revealed that half of the population is on the verge of starvation.

The Ministry of Health in Gaza reported that Israel's war has resulted in the deaths of over 33,400 Palestinians, with the majority being women and children. Additionally, more than 76,000 individuals have been wounded in the conflict.

A displaced man makes tea outside his tent on Wednesday. Israel's war in Gaza has displaced most of the enclave's population.

A displaced man makes tea outside his tent on Wednesday. Israel's war in Gaza has displaced most of the enclave's population.

Eid celebrations in Gaza are currently lacking the usual joy and delight, according to Ahlam Saleh. She was displaced from northern Gaza during the conflict with Hamas and now resides in Deir al Balah in the central part of the strip.

Many children in Deir al Balah are waking up to Eid today without their parents, as shared by a woman with CNN. Saleh and other women in the city are coming together to bake ka’ak, traditional biscuits for Eid, in an effort to bring joy to the children. Their goal is to spread happiness and remind everyone of the festive spirit of Eid, even though they have little else to offer the kids.

This Eid in Gaza is unlike any other in recent memory, as true celebrations are nearly impossible due to the extensive damage to over 70% of homes in the enclave since October, as reported by the UN.

There was hope for a ceasefire before Ramadan, but it did not happen. Muslims fasted during the holiday despite the ongoing war. Now, Eid is also happening during the seventh month of conflict.

However, Muslims in Gaza are celebrating Eid with a mix of apprehension and defiance.

Muslims conduct Eid prayers at the destroyed Al-Farouq Mosque in Rafah.

Muslims conduct Eid prayers at the destroyed Al-Farouq Mosque in Rafah.

A man in Jabalya, northern Gaza, expressed that their presence during Eid is a message to the enemy and the world that they will celebrate despite the bloodshed and devastation. In the elements, prayers took place, with another woman adding that they came to pray outside in the rain to revitalize their energy and to be with the martyrs.

One tradition that remains strong is the practice of honoring the deceased during Eid. In Deir al Balah, mourning women gathered near newly dug graves, where their loved ones, who lost their lives in the conflict, were laid to rest.

Um Ahmad brought her children to visit her late husband's grave. Pointing to her son, she shared, "He was tapping on the tombstone, asking, 'I miss Baba. Who will celebrate Eid with me like Baba used to?'"

In Rafah, a city in southern Gaza, many people have fled due to the anticipation of an IDF offensive. A father shared with CNN that this year, the Eid atmosphere feels very distant with all the airstrikes and bombing. He expressed his struggle with the rising prices of essential goods, making it difficult for him to buy traditional Eid clothing for his children.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared on Tuesday that Israeli troops will enter Rafah, where 1.5 million people are seeking shelter. He emphasized that no force in the world will prevent them from doing so.

Mostafa Alhelou, who was forced to move from Gaza City to Rafah, explained that he and other Muslims were determined to pray inside Al-Farouq mosque, despite it being destroyed by Israeli attacks. Their goal was to show the world their commitment to their mosques, land, and country.

Alhelou expressed hope that by the next Eid, they would be able to celebrate in Gaza City and pray in the familiar mosques they cherished.

Editor's P/S:

The article paints a heartbreaking picture of Eid al-Fitr in Gaza, overshadowed by the devastation and loss caused by the ongoing conflict. The celebrations, usually marked by joy and family gatherings, are now tinged with grief and uncertainty. The destruction of homes has left many homeless, and the lack of food and basic necessities adds to the misery. The article highlights the resilience of the people of Gaza, who despite the hardships, are determined to observe Eid and honor their traditions.

The article also exposes the human cost of the conflict, with thousands killed and injured, including women and children. The displacement of families and the destruction of homes have created a humanitarian crisis, with half of the population on the verge of starvation. The ongoing conflict has also disrupted Ramadan and Eid celebrations, making it impossible for many to fully observe the religious holidays. The article calls for an end to the violence and a resolution to the conflict that will allow the people of Gaza to live in peace and dignity.