GAZA, Thursday, April 11, 2024 (WAFA) - From Gaza, where Eid sweets were sold despite the war and the suffocating humanitarian crisis, to Jerusalem, where thousands defied the cold and rain, the first day of Eid al-Fitr passed somberly for Palestinians who held prayers for the martyrs of the Israeli aggression.
In all areas of Palestine, this year's Eid al-Fitr didn't resemble any other Eid, as the war and ongoing Israeli aggression for over six months continue, leaving behind more than 33,000 martyrs.
Medical sources announced today an increase in the death toll of the Israeli aggression on the Gaza Strip to 33,545 martyrs since October last year.
The sources also reported that the number of injuries has risen to 76,094, while thousands of citizens remain missing under the rubble and on the roads, with rescue and ambulance teams unable to reach them.
In addition, the bodies of 63 martyrs and 45 injured individuals arrived at hospitals in the Strip in the past 24 hours due to the ongoing Israeli aggression.
Ahmed Abu Shaar, under a large white tent where Eid prayers were held, said, "Last Eid, there was no war, but this year we have been in continuous war for six months, entering its seventh month."
"Last year, Al-Farouq Mosque was still standing (...) It was bombed by Israeli warplanes about two weeks before Ramadan," he continued.
Ahmed Qashta, 33, a father of four children, said, "We have not witnessed an Eid like this, filled with sadness, fear, destruction, and devastation due to the aggression and daily massacres."
He added, "We are trying to be happy, but it's difficult."
Abeer Sakeik, 40, who currently resides in a tent in Rafah with her family, said Eid usually means "a peaceful atmosphere, children's games, drinks, and chocolates in every home, but this year it's an Eid of sadness and exhaustion. They have destroyed Gaza... Enough of war and destruction."
She added, "The people of Gaza want a ceasefire."
Instead of the pastries usually prepared by families during Eid celebrations, one resident mentioned that he gave his children candies from the food rations distributed by the United Nations.
Mu'in Abu Ras, 44, a Gaza resident, said, "It's a day devoid of the warmth of family gatherings." Due to the lack of communication and internet, "we can't even contact our relatives."
In occupied Jerusalem, under strict surveillance by Israeli police, tens of thousands of worshippers flocked to the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound.
Nurse Rawan Abd, 32, from East Jerusalem, said, "It's the saddest Eid we've ever experienced. You can see the sadness on people's faces in the mosque."
Zaki, 37, from occupied Jerusalem, remarked, "Everyone is thinking about what's happening in Gaza. This year, there's no celebration; we'll just visit our relatives at their homes. We'll feel guilty if we do anything festive."
M.N
