In the Gaza Strip, the typically celebratory occasion of Eid al-Fitr was marked by considerable grief and scarce resources as Palestinians confront the aftermath of recent Israeli airstrikes. The discovery of 14 emergency responders’ bodies in Rafah, a week after an Israeli offensive, incited widespread anger. This incident has been described by the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies as the most severe attack on their workers since 2017.
Eid al-Fitr, which concludes the Muslim month of Ramadan, customarily involves joyful gatherings and gifting, yet this year, the pressing need for survival overshadowed celebrations for most of Gaza’s nearly 2 million residents. “It’s the Eid of sadness,” expressed Adel al-Shaer after attending prayers amid debris in Deir al-Balah, as he lamented the loss of 20 relatives, including four nephews, to recent airstrikes.
Following a resumed offensive by Israel after a month’s ceasefire, the already dire situation has worsened. Israel’s actions followed Hamas’ rejection of ceasefire amendments from a truce agreed upon in January. The blockade on food, fuel, and humanitarian aid continues, exacerbating conditions in Gaza.
Amidst the displacement and destruction, Saed al-Kourd, attending prayers, spoke of the disillusionment felt by many: “We go out to perform God’s rituals in order to make the children happy, but as for the joy of Eid? There is no Eid.” Efforts by Arab nations to re-establish a truce are ongoing, with proposals from Egypt and Qatar under consideration by Hamas, while Israel has reportedly offered a counter-proposal in collaboration with the United States.
The Palestinian Red Crescent Society confirmed the discovery of emergency workers’ bodies in Rafah, highlighting what they deem a war crime targeting medics. The Gaza Health Ministry reported evidence of execution-style killings, urging international intervention. In response, the Israeli military cited engagements with “suspicious” vehicles, resulting in the death of nine individuals, whom they labeled terrorists.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has set forth stringent conditions for halting operations, demanding Hamas disarmament and leadership removal. He downplayed criticism asserting Israel’s hesitancy to cease hostilities, maintaining a firm stance based void of the ceasefire agreement previously set.
Recent Israeli airstrikes continued on Sunday, resulting in the loss of 16 lives, including nine children. At the same time, attacks in Deir al-Balah claimed two more. Witnesses observed that among the casualties were children wearing new clothes intended for holiday celebrations, illustrating the tragic circumstances faced by civilians.
The ongoing hostilities trace back to an October 2023 incursion by Hamas militants into Israel, which led to significant casualties and hostage-taking. The retaliatory actions by Israel have resulted in over 50,000 Palestinian deaths, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry, with critiques highlighting the lack of distinction between militant and civilian casualties.
In a parallel development, Israel has sanctioned a contentious road project in the West Bank, purportedly aimed at facilitating transportation for Palestinians but criticized for potential territorial annexation. Detractors argue these moves undermine the prospects of a viable Palestinian state, as Israeli settlements continue to expand.
Peace measures remain elusive as the decades-long conflict persists, with international bodies advocating a two-state solution centered on shared coexistence. Nonetheless, unilateral actions by both parties complicate the geopolitical landscape, prolonging instability in the region.