In Khan Younis, families gathered under the damaged al-Albani Mosque to mark the first morning of Eid al-Adha in a somber atmosphere. This major Muslim holiday, typically celebrated with communal prayers, the sacrifice of lambs, and shared meals, was transformed into a day of mourning due to the ongoing violence in Gaza. Eftarag Abou Sabaa expressed the sorrow felt by many, stating that instead of feasting, they were sacrificing their loved ones who’ve fallen victim to the violence.
Crowds quietly visited cemeteries, paying respects to those lost in the conflict, with the sound of Israeli drones overhead punctuating the silence. Ahmed Darwish lamented the loss of his children and the grim reality that overshadowed the holiday, claiming, “This is not an Eid of joy; it is an Eid of mourning and death.”
Amidst this grief, Reda Abdel Rahim Eljara recounted her devastating losses on Eid, having lost her husband and three family members to airstrikes. Umm Ahmad Al-Qatati shared a heart-wrenching story about her son Omar, who was excited for Eid but instead was fatally shot.
Despite the heaviness of the day, some, like 14-year-old Thaer al-Salmi, sought solace in prayer and small acts of celebration, hoping for a return to normalcy in the future. The striking contrast of grief overshadowing what is meant to be a joyous occasion emphasizes the impact of war on community traditions and personal lives in Gaza. The day served not just as a day of sacrifice but also a reminder of the profound loss endured by the people.
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