Palestinians in Gaza celebrated Eid al-Fitr as they visited mosques to perform the Eid prayer, gathered with family and enjoyed traditional holidays’ fare and exchange Eid al-Fitr wishes.
People breathed a sigh of relief as they were able to enjoy Eid peacefully and in relaxation after tensions soared between Israelis and Palestinians and panic of another war on the Strip escalated. People are just hoping for a calm holiday, and in the air there is a sense of need to keep the current athmosphere.
In the last days of the holy month of Ramadan, markets were crowded with people preparing for the Eid al-Fitr celebration. People buy children’s clothes, traditional sweets, and decorate their homes to enjoy the atmosphere with relatives and friends.
Despite the manifestations of joy, family visits and special food during Eid in Gaza, difficult economic and social conditions prevail because of the devastating 15-year land, sea and air blockade imposed by Israel.
GazaPress toured Gaza’s markets, streets, and homes to report on people’s preparations for Eid al-Fitr.