In what should have been a time of joy and tranquility during Eid al-Fitr, the Palestinian city of Rafah has faced one of its most painful chapters. As violence escalated, thousands of families were forcibly displaced from their homes, and entire neighborhoods were evacuated amid bombardments and destruction, transforming the celebration into scenes of loss and suffering.

This report sheds light on the forced displacement of residents in Rafah during the Eid days, revealing the humanitarian and social dimensions of this catastrophe and the harsh realities faced by civilians in the absence of protection.

M. Nail Abu Shar, a resident of Rafah, described the dire conditions as "very difficult and intolerable." The relentless shelling has persisted for over ten days, with tanks firing and drones filling the sky. Despite the devastation, residents have attempted to adapt to their shattered lives. "We arranged our tents and began to come back to life despite the destruction," Abu Shar said, acknowledging the lack of water and basic necessities.

Eid al-Fitr arrived, but for the people of Rafah, it felt like anything but a celebration. "Eid came, but there was no Eid for the people of Rafah; the bombing did not stop." Adding to their anxiety, evacuation orders from the occupation forces left residents in a state of fear, unsure of their fate or where to go.

Amid scorching heat and ongoing shelling, the residents of Rafah continue their harrowing journey of forced displacement. Many left behind simple belongings and the tents that had provided them shelter during the months of conflict. Young Saeed Alagha recounted the struggles faced by families as they walked great distances to escape, often with little transportation available.

"We came out of our tents in the El Jenaina neighborhood to the Al-Mawasi area again, in a difficult situation," Alagha reported. The sights of the elderly leaning on their children and exhausted children walking under the sun paint a distressing picture of their plight. "The situation of the people of Rafah is tragic. We are in very difficult circumstances."

On the second day of Eid, when homes should have been lit with festive lights, the people of Rafah found themselves once again on the road to displacement, carrying their memories with them. Scenes of families fleeing under bombardment, mothers' eyes filled with fear and heartbreak, reflect the depth of their tragedy. Yet, amidst the despair, Rafah's resilience remains alive in their prayers, waiting for a dawn that promises safety and the right of return.