Palestinians spent the first day of Eid al-Fitr, Wednesday, visiting the graves of their loved ones who were killed in the Gaza war, and performing Eid prayers next to the rubble of mosques and in the destroyed streets, as the bloody conflict loomed in the air.
While millions of Muslims around the world spend Eid in a festive atmosphere and family gatherings, there is hardly anyone in Gaza who can feel the joy of Eid.
Six months after the start of the war, Gaza residents are only concerned about surviving Israeli air strikes, shelling, ground attacks, and the humanitarian crisis.
Amani Mansour stood in front of her son’s grave with her mother next to her, remembering the happy times.
She said: “Last Eid was for me the best Eid in my life. My son was beside me and in my arms. Everything he wished for, I did for him.”
She added: “I wish he was by my side and I wish he was with me. He used to go to the mosque and tell me to prepare for Eid when I come back. He went and everything good in my life was gone.”
People like Mahmoud Al-Hamaida in the southern Gaza city of Rafah were gathering with family and friends to celebrate Eid and feast at a time when the situation was better.
Al-Hamayda, who is now sitting in a wheelchair after the Israeli army wounded him, said: “Today, for me, this is a break, a heartbreak, for the Eid that passed, and this Eid is a break in my mind, because when I go out to see my children, I feel sad about my situation… I am sitting and tears are falling from my eyes, feeling sad.” On the days gone by.”
He added: “I remember the last Eid, and I remember this Eid. My children are around me, and I go out happy for them. But today I am injured. I cannot move, nor can I go or come.”
Instead of celebrating, Al-Hamaida is trying to survive the Israeli air strikes that turned a large part of the Gaza Strip into rubble and debris.
Meanwhile, Abu Shaer, a resident of the Gaza Strip, called for an attempt to draw some strength from Eid al-Fitr.
He said: “Despite the pain we are suffering, and despite the continuation of the Zionist killing machine during the last six months of our lives, we must show joy on this day. How could we not when Eid al-Fitr was originally called the day of the reward? The reward is for the obedience that Muslims have performed.” And from acts of worship and from fasting… during the month of Ramadan.”
Residents in Gaza held Eid prayers in the street next to the ruins of the mosque, laying prayer rugs in front of a white minaret that remained standing amid the destruction.
