What's happened
As Eid al-Adha approaches, Gaza faces severe shortages of fresh meat due to a blockade that has lasted three months. The ongoing conflict has decimated local livestock, leaving families unable to celebrate the holiday traditionally. The situation reflects the broader humanitarian crisis in the region.
What's behind the headline?
Current Situation
- Eid al-Adha, a significant religious holiday, is marked by the sacrifice of livestock, which is now nearly impossible in Gaza.
- The blockade has resulted in skyrocketing prices for basic necessities, making it difficult for families to afford even bread.
Economic Impact
- The U.N. reports that 96% of livestock and 99% of poultry in Gaza are dead, severely impacting food security.
- The blockade has left over 2 million people in dire conditions, with many displaced multiple times due to ongoing military offensives.
Social Consequences
- Traditionally a time of joy, Eid celebrations are now overshadowed by despair, with families unable to partake in customary festivities.
- The psychological toll on children, who are missing out on the joy of the holiday, is significant and will likely have long-term effects on the community's morale.
What the papers say
According to The Independent, the blockade has led to a situation where 'no fresh meat has entered Gaza for three months,' highlighting the dire conditions families face during Eid al-Adha. AP News echoes this sentiment, noting that 'Israel has blocked shipments of food and other aid to pressure Hamas,' exacerbating the humanitarian crisis. The U.N. has reported that '96% of the livestock and 99% of the poultry are dead,' illustrating the extent of the devastation in Gaza's agricultural sector. The articles collectively paint a grim picture of a community struggling to maintain its cultural traditions amidst overwhelming adversity.
How we got here
The blockade of Gaza, intensified after the October 7, 2023, attack by Hamas, has severely restricted food and aid shipments. This has led to a humanitarian crisis, with local livestock populations nearly wiped out due to prolonged conflict and military actions.
Go deeper
- What are the traditional customs for Eid al-Adha?
- How has the blockade affected daily life in Gaza?
- What is the international response to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza?
More on these topics
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Israel, formally known as the State of Israel, is a country in Western Asia, located on the southeastern shore of the Mediterranean Sea and the northern shore of the Red Sea.
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Eid al-Adha is the last of the two Islamic holidays celebrated worldwide each year, and considered the holier of the two. It honours the willingness of Ibrahim to sacrifice his son Ismael as an act of obedience to God's command.
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The Gaza Strip, or simply Gaza, is a self-governing Palestinian territory on the eastern coast of the Mediterranean Sea, that borders Egypt on the southwest for 11 kilometers and Israel on the east and north along a 51 km border.