For many Palestinians in Gaza, there is little appetite for Eid

After six months of war, more than 33,000 Palestinian deaths and the vast majority of the besieged territory left in ruins, the people of Gaza are struggling to find any joy on Eid al-Fitr.

Israel’s military campaign continued throughout the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, with thousands killed in air strikes and shootings.

Israel has also restricted the flow of aid into the Palestinian territory, leaving most of its residents grateful to get basic food staples, let alone have enough to celebrate in the feasts usually associated with Eid.

“Eid is the joy of children in new clothes and playing with toys, and for adults it is about receiving visitors and family members,” says 53-year-old Rawan al-Zard, recalling past celebrations.

“This year, children were deprived of joy because of their fears over the bombings,” she adds.

Read more: For many Palestinians in Gaza, there is little appetite for Eid