Palestinians in Gaza Prepare for Third Eid al-Adha Amid War

In the tent where she has lived for most of the time since the Israel war erupted, 68-year-old I'tidal Hamdan is preparing for her third consecutive Eid al-Adha away from home. She once dreamed of performing the Hajj — one of the five pillars of Islam — with her husband, but never got the chance to leave Gaza, and her 67-year-old husband was killed in an Israeli air strike last year.

“I’ve probably been dreaming about it for more than 10 years,” she told Al Jazeera. “My husband really wanted to go on Hajj… and he died before fulfilling his wish.”

Israeli restrictions at Gaza’s exit points mean that for the third consecutive year, no pilgrims are departing to perform the Hajj — the pilgrimage that coincides with Eid al-Adha. Many displaced families cannot return home, even if their houses remain standing, to decorate for the festival due to movement restrictions.

Israel’s siege and war have left very few livestock or sheep alive, so the tradition of animal sacrifice — another key ritual of the festival — will be observed by only a handful of families this year. Before the war, Hamdan and her husband were on the 2024 Hajj list with stringent quotas, but the war has indefinitely postponed this once-in-a-lifetime event.

Emad Suhweil, 43, a displaced father of five from Beit Lahiya in northern Gaza, said the absence of livestock in the market has robbed Eid al-Adha of an important element. “Every year we used to sacrifice… we would slaughter, be joyful, eat together and give to the poor; those were beautiful days,” he said. “I used to buy a sheep or contribute to buying a calf.”

Although a limited number of livestock exists in Gaza, purchasing an animal is far beyond the financial means of most families. Suhweil said pre-war sheep priced at around 400–500 Jordanian dinars ($560–$700) now go for 16,000–17,000 shekels ($4,400–$4,700) for a 50 kg animal, and they are very weak. Reports indicate an animal that typically cost $400–$600 in previous years can now sell for up to $6,000.

According to the Gaza Chamber of Commerce and Industry, more than 90% of livestock farms have been destroyed or damaged by Israeli attacks and restrictions on transporting essential goods. Israel also prevents the import of live animals into the territory.

Intisar Awda, 56, a displaced mother of 10 from Beit Hanoon, recalled when Gaza’s homes were full of movement, visits and preparations for children’s joy. “We used to prepare Eid tables laden with the finest meats and dishes… we used to feel the sacrifice, feel Eid, feel joy,” she said. She lost her 35-year-old daughter and three grandchildren, who were later scattered among different family members.

“We are displaced and enduring unbearable hardship… but we still hold onto hope despite loss,” Awda said. “I hope the next Eid comes without war… I always say, ‘Lord, do not take me before I visit the Kaaba… with my husband.’”