As Palestinians in Gaza began observing Eid al-Adha, Israeli attacks killed at least 22 people across the enclave since dawn, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry.
The ministry reports that Israel’s ongoing genocide has claimed at least 54,677 Palestinian lives and wounded 125,530 others.
For many, the holiday, typically a time of joy and celebration, was overshadowed by grief and destruction.
“This is the hardest Eid we’ve ever witnessed. People are facing unimaginable economic and humanitarian suffering,” said Ibrahim Ahmed, a Gaza resident.
The conflict has left communities struggling, with one boy, Saeed Nassar, describing the circumstances as “heartbreaking,” noting, “We couldn’t buy clothes, sweets, or an animal to sacrifice. We’re surrounded by total destruction.”
The genocide has compounded the challenges of observing Eid, with many sacred spaces reduced to rubble.
Ahmed recounted, “In past Eids, we prayed in this mosque surrounded by peace and joy. Today, the mosque is in ruins and we’re praying in the rubble.”
Grieving mothers, marking their second Eid under these conditions, expressed profound loss.
Umm Ahmad Awida, sitting by her daughter’s grave, said, “We are celebrating Eid al-Adha for the second year in a row, under bombs, strikes, death, siege and hunger – every way of torture for human beings.”
Another mother, Suher Shekfa, knelt at her son Abdul Salam’s grave, saying, “I feel like I have no children left since he was gone. The smile of the house is gone.”
The violence has also targeted journalists, with Gaza’s Government Media Office confirming the death of Al Arabiya TV cameraman Ahmed Qaljah, bringing the total number of journalists killed to 226.
The office condemned the “systematic crimes against Palestinian journalists” and urged global journalistic bodies to act.
UNRWA chief Philippe Lazzarini called for international journalists to be allowed into Gaza, stating, “This is unprecedented in any other conflict in history,” and described the blockade as a “ban on the truth.”
He warned that this restriction fuels “mis-information, deepening polarization & dehumanization.”
Amid the ongoing conflict, the toll on Gaza’s people and their ability to share their stories remains profound.