Palestinians in Gaza Mark Eid Amid War, Hunger, and Loss

In a poignant departure from the usual joy of the holiday, many people prayed outside demolished mosques. Eid, which is traditionally a time of feasting and new clothes, found Gaza's 2 million residents in survival mode, struggling with grief and uncertainty.

“It’s the Eid of sadness,” said Adel al-Shaer, who attended prayers in the central town of Deir al-Balah. “We lost our loved ones, our children, our lives, and our futures.” Al-Shaer’s family has been devastated by Israeli strikes, losing 20 members, including four young nephews in the past few days.

The conflict, which reignited earlier this month after Israel resumed its 17-month-long offensive following a failed ceasefire, has seen Gaza's already dire conditions worsen. For over a month, Israel has blocked essential supplies, including food, fuel, and humanitarian aid, from entering the enclave.

“There is killing, displacement, hunger, and a siege,” said Saed al-Kourd, another worshipper. “As for the joy of Eid? There is no Eid.”

While Arab mediators continue to work on a new truce, Israel and Hamas are at an impasse. Hamas has accepted a proposal from Egypt and Qatar, though details remain unclear, while Israel has presented its own counter-proposal, which includes conditions Hamas has rejected, such as the disarmament of the group.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, in a Cabinet meeting, outlined stringent terms for peace, including the disarmament of Hamas and the implementation of U.S. President Trump’s controversial plan to resettle Gaza’s population in other countries. This plan, which Palestinians firmly reject, has been criticized by human rights experts as potentially violating international law.

Meanwhile, the ongoing Israeli strikes have claimed more lives, with at least 16 people, including nine children and three women, killed in airstrikes on Khan Younis, according to local hospital reports. Images from the site showed two young girls wearing new clothes, including spotless sneakers, seemingly intended for the holiday.

The conflict, which began after Hamas-led militants attacked Israel on October 7, 2023, has claimed over 50,000 Palestinian lives, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry. The Israeli military contends it has killed around 20,000 militants but has provided little evidence to support these claims.

Tensions also rise over Israel’s controversial road project in the West Bank, which critics argue could pave the way for the annexation of key Palestinian territories. This move is seen as another obstacle to the creation of a future Palestinian state.

As Gaza continues to endure unimaginable hardship, the prospect of peace remains elusive, and the Palestinian struggle for survival and dignity shows no sign of resolution.