The Joyous Celebration is Marked in Mourning in Gaza

Now the Eid al-Adha holiday is being celebrated by Muslims worldwide. A festive occasion with family and friends, good food and presents and sweets for the children is what it's all about. But in the Gaza Strip, there is barely any food on the markets and even less money for presents.

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The Joyous Celebration is Marked in Mourning in Gaza
Photo: Abdel Kareem Hana/AP/TT

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Muslims around the world are now celebrating Eid al-Adha. Festivities with family and friends, good food, and presents and sweets for the children are all part of it. But in Gaza, there is barely any food on the markets and even less money for presents.

Gaza was poor even before the war, but last year people could still hang colourful decorations, give the children sweets and presents, and buy meat or slaughter and share with others.

It was a real Eid. Everyone was happy, the children too, says Nadia Hamouda.

She has fled and lives in a tent in Deir al-Balah. Her daughter was killed in the war.

When we hear the call to prayer, we cry over those we have lost, over everything we have lost and what has happened to us and how we used to live.

Abdelkarim Motawq used to work in the thriving meat industry at this time of year. This year, his family can barely afford rice and beans.

It used to be a hectic time. I earned money and bought food, clothes, nuts, and meat for my children. But today, there is nothing left.

Eid al-Adha falls on the tenth day of the pilgrimage month and is celebrated for four days, starting on the last day of the pilgrimage to Mecca. The festival is called "the big feast", distinct from "the little feast", Eid al-Fitr.

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By TTEnglish edition by Sweden Herald, adapted for local and international readers

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