Gaza, June 16, 2024 — The somber mood in Khan Yunis, a town ravaged by continuous Israeli aggression, reflects the dire state of Gaza this Eid. With no respite from the violence, residents are not thinking about celebrating; they are merely hoping to survive. Even on Eid day, Palestinians faced attacks.

A resident of Gaza poignantly remarked, "Every year, the streets of Gaza turn red with animal blood. This time it is covered in human blood. We usually celebrate with animal sacrifices, but this time, thousands of Gazans have sacrificed themselves. The world's most expensive sacrifice has taken place here, but there is no joy."

Another resident shared, "We cannot sacrifice any animals this Eid. Instead, we have sacrificed many people we love, our homes, and our happiness. Hopefully, Allah will accept our sacrifice. If not in this world, then in the hereafter."

The Gaza Strip shows no signs of Eid festivities. The Eid congregation had to perform prayers amidst the rubble, with worshipers wearing expressions of despair rather than joy. Even children, holding their fathers' hands, came to pray without knowing if they would have food to eat on this holy day.

Khan Yunis, under relentless Israeli attack, is now a largely empty town. This scene is mirrored in many other settlements across Gaza. Many residents could not return home even on Eid, leaving their localities eerily quiet.

A Gazan described the plight, saying he has been running from place to place as a refugee since the war began. "Not even a piece of meat was added for the children. It is not Eid for us but Eid for the barbarians, where we are being sacrificed."

In the past eight months of ongoing Israeli aggression, over 37,000 Palestinians have lost their lives. The brutality continues unabated across Gaza, overshadowing what should be a time of celebration with a pall of sorrow and fear.