For the third consecutive year, Palestinians in Gaza are preparing to observe Eid-ul-Azha without sacrificial animals, as the Israeli blockade and ongoing war continue to cut off the besieged enclave from essential supplies.
Gaza’s local agriculture ministry said no animals have been allowed into the territory, making it impossible for residents to perform Qurbani this year as well.
While Muslims around the world prepare to celebrate Eid-ul-Azha, there is little sign of festivity in Gaza.
Slaughterhouses that once bustled during the holiday have now been turned into shelters for displaced people, while equipment used for sacrifices has been destroyed, reports the Middle East Eye.
One resident lamented that before the war, families used to sacrifice cows and goats during Eid and children would celebrate joyfully.
“Now there is no Eid in Gaza. Attacks continue even during ceasefires,” the resident said.
Another resident appealed to the Muslim world to send animals for sacrifice, asking why Gaza’s children should be deprived of the joy of Eid.
Before the war, around 20,000 cattle and 40,000 sheep were imported into Gaza every year for Eid sacrifices. But now, apart from limited food aid, almost no supplies are entering the territory.
Baha Agha, an official at Gaza’s agriculture ministry, said more than 80,000 livestock animals have died during the war.
He added that over 60% of Gaza now falls within the Israeli-controlled “Yellow Zone,” where most of the enclave’s farms are located.
Authorities said continuous Israeli military operations have completely destroyed livestock farms, veterinary centres and food warehouses across the territory.
Although the United Nations has called for unrestricted access for humanitarian aid and essential goods into Gaza, aid deliveries have dropped to nearly a quarter of previous levels.
Amid the worsening humanitarian crisis, displaced Palestinian children living in overcrowded shelters have now been deprived of Eid celebrations for several years in a row.