United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed deep sorrow as Muslims in war-torn Gaza and other regions are unable to fully observe Eid al-Fitr, signifying the end of Ramadan.
 
In a video posted on X on Wednesday, the UN Secretary-General conveyed his sadness regarding the violence impacting Muslims in Gaza, Sudan, and other regions globally.

Every year, I express my best wishes for #EidAlFitr to the Muslim community around the world.

My heart is broken knowing that in Gaza, Sudan and many other places - because of conflict and hunger - so many Muslims will not be able to celebrate properly. pic.twitter.com/1Z3rWIbhdN

— António Guterres (@antonioguterres) April 9, 2024

"Every year, I express my best wishes for Eid al-Fitr to the Muslim community around the world. My heart is broken knowing that in Gaza, Sudan, and many other places -- because of conflict and hunger -- so many Muslims will not be able to celebrate properly," Guterres said in his yearly Eid al-Fitr message.

In the same context, the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) expressed in a statement that it embraced the holiday with a heavy heart due to "Israel's" genocidal war on the Gaza Strip.

The UN agency for Palestinian refugees hoped for “a peaceful and blessed Eid al-Fitr” on social media, stressing, “We welcome Eid al-Fitr with our hearts filled with sadness for what is happening in Gaza, the West Bank and across the region for those facing conflict, displacement, and fear.”

In his Eid message, Dennis Francis, the president of the UN General Assembly, extended wishes of "solidarity" and emphasized the importance of "compassion", recognizing the immense challenges faced by people in the Gaza Strip.

"My warmest #EidAlFitr greetings to the Muslim community worldwide. Let's embrace the true essence of Eid – a time for reflection, compassion, and unity. Let us extend our hand in friendship and solidarity, especially to our brothers and sisters affected by conflict, especially to the people in the Gaza Strip who are facing unimaginable challenges. I wish you and your loved ones all the blessings of Eid," he said.

🌙 My warmest #EidAlFitr greetings to the Muslim community worldwide.

Let's embrace the true essence of Eid – a time for reflection, compassion, and unity.

Let us extend our hand in friendship and solidarity, especially to our brothers and sisters affected by conflict,… pic.twitter.com/7FUULa4ALx

— UN GA President (@UN_PGA) April 10, 2024

Palestinians commemorate Eid al-Fitr amid oppression, genocide

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.

#Palestinians celebrated Eid al-Fitr and performed the #Eid prayer in the al-Aqsa Mosque defying the Israeli occupation.

The IOF later stormed the Mosque and assaulted the worshippers.#Palestine pic.twitter.com/RNrtrTo64x

— Al Mayadeen English (@MayadeenEnglish) April 10, 2024

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.

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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.

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 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.

However, the residents of Gaza, once again, demonstrate their resilience and unwavering faith as they observe Eid amid the challenging circumstances.

In an absolutely beautiful scene, yet distressing to the Israeli occupation, children in #Gaza are seen playing and celebrating #Eid despite all the Israeli atrocities they have endured for the past six months.#Palestine pic.twitter.com/oItY1TwSZ7

— Al Mayadeen English (@MayadeenEnglish) April 10, 2024

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.

#Palestinians perform the #Eid prayer in shelter centers in #Gaza amid the ongoing Israeli #genocide. pic.twitter.com/AQdHJ2qKVb

— Al Mayadeen English (@MayadeenEnglish) 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. 

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.