Palestinians commemorate Eid al-Fitr amid oppression, genocide
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Gaza observes Eid al-Fitr deprived of customary festivities, including family reunions, new clothes, and treats, amid the ongoing Israeli genocide.
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Palestinians commemorate Eid al-Fitr at al-Aqsa Mosque (X)
Palestinians have taken to the streets of Gaza and al-Quds, chanting takbeer - expressions of praise to God - in celebration of the conclusion of Ramadan and the arrival of Eid al-Fitr. This comes despite ongoing Israeli airstrikes, extensive devastation, and shortages of food as the Israeli blockade of the Gaza Strip surpasses six months, alongside mounting oppression in the occupied West Bank.
Since early morning, thousands of Palestinians assembled at the al-Aqsa Mosque compound, challenging the stringent Israeli restrictions on entry. Currently, only men above the age of 60 and women over 50 are allowed access. Despite these limitations, the gathering reflects defiance of the imposed barriers, showcasing the determination of Palestinians to uphold their presence at this sacred site.
Residents of the eastern part of occupied al-Quds are allegedly allowed access, although some young men among them have reportedly faced harassment from Israeli occupation police.
Nevertheless, the prayers commenced, and a significant influx of people can be observed, with expectations reaching around the 60,000 mark, as per Al Mayadeen's correspondent.
صلاة عيد الفطر المبارك من رحاب #المسجد_الأقصى المبارك👇#فلسطين pic.twitter.com/gJ8PleBF26
— قناة الميادين (@AlMayadeenNews) April 10, 2024
It is worth noting that the exact attendance figures will only be known once the prayers conclude.
In a related development, Al Mayadeen's correspondent reported that Israeli checkpoints thwarted thousands of West Bank Palestinians' journey to occupied al-Quds.
In Tulkarm, Israeli occupation forces detained 8 Palestinians in a dawn raid, our correspondent added.
Concurrently, Al Mayadeen's correspondent reported an extensive arrest sweep by occupation forces across the West Bank.
Gaza celebrates Eid al-Fitr with no family reunions, no new clothes, no treats just prayers
Gaza observes Eid al-Fitr devoid of customary festivities, including family reunions, new clothes, and treats, amid the ongoing Israeli genocide, which enters its 187th day today.
This Eid was no different from the past 186 days of genocide, as the Israeli occupation committed yet another massacre on the eve of the Eid, killing at least 14 Palestinians, including four children, in the al-Nusseirat camp in central Gaza.
I could not suppress my feelings when I saw my little kids getting up early and heard them saying they would wear Eid clothes and wait for their uncles to visit them and give them money!
— Motasem A Dalloul (@AbujomaaGaza) April 10, 2024
I broke in tears.. My poor kids forgot that their mother, who dresses them, was killed,… pic.twitter.com/KXZWGADcEb
However, the residents of Gaza, once again, demonstrate their resilience and unwavering faith as they observe Eid amid the challenging circumstances.
Al Mayadeen's camera captured the scene of Eid prayer rituals being performed amid the rubble of a destroyed mosque. Despite the devastation, the echoes of Eid takbeers reverberated through the Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital in Deir al-Balah, central Gaza, as well as from the refugee camps in the northern part of the Strip.
I visited Khanyounis southern Gaza today following the withdrawal of Israeli forces
— Maha Hussaini (@MahaGaza) April 9, 2024
Not a single home isn’t bombed, not one building isn’t scorched.. Walking through the neighborhoods, you cannot help but sense Israel’s palpable desire for revenge against an entire population pic.twitter.com/f6mVF7xF3P
⚡️The Eid prayer in Jabalia, northern Gaza, took place on the streets amidst heavy rains, as the Israelis destroyed all the mosques. pic.twitter.com/HGCg3CmRpN
— Warfare Analysis (@warfareanalysis) April 10, 2024
In a related context, Muslims around the world are deeply impacted by the ongoing genocide in Gaza, altering their usual Eid celebrations. Instead of the usual joyous festivities, many are somber and reflective, their thoughts and prayers directed toward the suffering endured by the people of Gaza.
In Tehran, crowds gathered at the Imam Khomeini Mosalla (Congregational Prayers Site) to observe Eid al-Fitr prayers, led by Iranian leader Sayyed Ali Khamenei.
Alongside Iran, several other countries including Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Yemen, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Lebanon, and others are also celebrating Eid al-Fitr on Wednesday.
It is worth noting that Lebanon has experienced a significant escalation in Israeli aggression since October 8, resulting in the killing of hundreds of Lebanese citizens, including children, and the widespread destruction of homes, particularly in villages along the border with occupied Palestine.
An Israeli airstrike targeted the outskirts of the town of Jannata south Lebanon pic.twitter.com/LxNRcfAm0f
— Pheebo🪐 (@galpalpheebs) April 7, 2024
Eid al-Fitr is a significant religious holiday observed by Muslims worldwide, marking the conclusion of the month-long fasting during Ramadan. The celebration begins on the first day of the 10th lunar calendar month of Shawwal, the timing of which varies based on the sighting of the new moon by local religious authorities. Typically, Eid al-Fitr involves a special Islamic prayer, known as Salat, performed in an open field or a large hall with congregants present.
