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03/29/2024 07:05:40 am

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Eid Al-Fitr in Gaza: A Day of Grief Not Celebration

Relatives of Palestinian man mourn at his funeral during the Muslim holiday of Eid al-Fitr

(Photo : REUTERS/Ibraheem Abu Mustafa) Relatives of Palestinian man Hussien Abu al-Naja, mourn at his funeral during the Muslim holiday of Eid al-Fitr in Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip.

West Bank resident Mohammad Al Masri usually sends text messages to his relatives and friends in the Gaza Stirp to greet them a happy Eid, but this time it is different. He feels like it is inappropriate to celebrate a feast when thousands of Muslim died.

"It's difficult for me this time to find the words to write. The sadness is overwhelming," Al Masri said.

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In the Palestinian territories, people could not bring themselves to enjoy their holiday and the food to break their fast.

Maher Abu Mayaleh, a shopkeeper in the Muslim Quarter of Jerusalem's Old City, said the Eid is not the same as it was because of the situation in the Gaza Strip. She said they do not want to celebrate anything when they know that their people are dying.

"We are not happy," Mayaleh said.

Eid al-Fitr is a Muslim celebration that concludes the month-long fasting of Ramadan. The eid is usually a day of celebration for Muslims worldwide.

It is the time when people buy new clothes, prepare the best food and celebrate joyously with their families. It is traditionally the time when relatives come to visit and share a meal.

This year is different with the Palestenian's spirit dampened by the Gaza Strip's condition. Instead of enjoying the tasty aroma of local sweets, they are drinking black coffee -- a sign or mourning in Palestinian culture.

Instead of shopping for new things and preparing the beast meals, people donate whatever they can to the victims of the conflict.

Instead of spending the holidays and enjoying the end of Ramadan, people remain at their houses waiting for news updates.

Residents of neighboring cities also refuse to celebrate the Eid.

Ahmed Imam, 16, a resident of East Jerusalem, said he donated blood to give to people in Gaza. He said that's how he wanted to honor Eid.

"It is how I celebrate this year - helping my brothers," Imam said. 

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