Gazans face hardship and sorrow during Eid celebrations
Despite the arrival of Eid, many families in Gaza are unable to celebrate as they once did. Traditional festivities, such as buying new clothes and preparing special foods, are out of reach for most due to war, displacement, and soaring prices. Nadia Abu Shamala and other residents describe heartbreak and exhaustion as they struggle to provide for their children. The ongoing conflict and shortages have cast a shadow over what is usually a joyful holiday.
What we know
- Many Gazans cannot afford new clothes, sacrificial sheep, or traditional Eid biscuits due to high prices and shortages.
- Nadia Abu Shamala and her family, displaced for over two years, say there is no joy this Eid because of war and economic hardship.
- Despite a US-brokered ceasefire that began in October 2025, Israeli air strikes and aid shortages continue to affect daily life.
- The price of sacrificial sheep has risen from around 1,000 shekels before the war to between 11,000 and 15,000 shekels, according to Raafat Asaliya of Gaza’s agriculture ministry.
- Families are forced to improvise, baking Eid sweets in makeshift ovens and living in tents, as they hope for better days.
