The people of Gaza had long hoped that this Eid would arrive with an end to the relentless bloodshed and a sense of security. Yet, for the third consecutive year, they find themselves engulfed in violence, with warplanes still hovering overhead and the echoes of destruction all around. Despite the despair, Gazans cling to their faith, believing that honoring Eid is essential, even amid overwhelming loss and suffering.

In a UNRWA school turned shelter, displaced mother Umm Ahmad reflects on the stark contrast between past Eids and this one. “What Eid, my dear? What joy?” she asks, recalling last year’s celebrations overshadowed by gunfire and bombings. With soaring prices, she cannot afford new clothes for her children or even traditional festive foods, leaving her to create a semblance of celebration through stories and simple treats with the little food she has.

Hiba Atish, another displaced mother in a shelter, shares her struggles to maintain hope for her children. “I can’t even provide food for my children, let alone new Eid clothes,” she laments, remembering a time when Eid meant new outfits and delicious treats. Now, the costs of basic items are prohibitive, but she remains determined to find moments of joy amid the darkness, even as grief for lost loved ones weighs heavily on her heart.

Khaled, a young man who has lost both home and job, voices the bitterness felt by many this Eid. “This Eid is just another day of displacement and anxiety,” he states, highlighting the disconnect from the festive spirit that once filled the air. Meanwhile, ten-year-old Sarah expresses the innocent sorrow of a child caught in conflict, wishing simply for the war to end and for the joy of Eid to return. In their struggle, the people of Gaza cling to hope, yearning for brighter days amid the shadows of loss and pain.