After enduring eight months of devastating warfare, the people of Gaza observed a solemn Eid Al Adha yesterday.
Eid Al Adha symbolizes sacrifice, with the ritualistic slaughter of a sheep, goat, or cow serving as a reminder of Prophet Ibraham's (AS) willingness to sacrifice his son – Prophet Ismail.
However, this year, the situation in Gaza is dire, with nearly everyone in the region facing desperate circumstances.
The Palestinian territory has been gripped by hunger due to Israel's prolonged military offensive and severe restrictions on humanitarian aid and supplies.
Given the ongoing hardships, many individuals in Gaza do not feel inclined to celebrate. Since the commencement of the war on October 7, Gazans have endured relentless bombardments and widespread deprivation. According to health authorities in Gaza, over 37,000 people have lost their lives, and hunger has become pervasive.
The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian Refugees (UNRWA) highlighted the dire situation, stating on social media that "With continued restrictions to humanitarian access, people in #Gaza continue to face desperate levels of hunger."
They further emphasized that more than 50,000 children urgently require treatment for acute malnutrition.
In the war-torn Palestinian enclave, children are burdened with the arduous task of spending six to eight hours each day collecting water and food. They often carry heavy loads and traverse long distances, as reported by the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA).
The Palestinians used to commemorate the holiday by adorning the streets and alleys, sacrificing animals, exchanging visits to offer greetings, and allowing children and young people to visit parks and playgrounds in the Strip with their families for enjoyment.
However, all of these traditions have long disappeared under the shadow of the ongoing war, which shows no signs of ending anytime soon.
Yesterday, the Israeli military declared a temporary halt in military operations near a southern Gaza border crossing to facilitate the entry of more aid into the region. Nevertheless, it remains uncertain whether a significant amount of supplies will actually be able to reach Gaza.
The UN World Food Program issued a warning last week, stating that southern Gaza could soon face the same catastrophic levels of hunger that were previously experienced by Gazans in the northern part of the territory.
Despite reports of negotiations and proposed cease-fire agreements between Israel and Hamas, many Gazans still hold onto hope. However, the passing of each holiday, including Christmas and Easter for Gaza's small Christian population, serves as a stark reminder of how deeply entrenched this war has become.
As the world celebrates Eid, it is important to take a moment to consider the plight of the people in Gaza and the immense challenges they are facing during these difficult times.
