Gazans perform Eid prayers atop ruins of mosques amid relentless Israeli bombardment

By Hosni Nedim and Ikram Kouachi

GAZA CITY, Palestine (AA) – Hundreds of thousands of Palestinians in Gaza on Sunday did prayers for the Muslim holiday of Eid al-Fitr atop the rubble of destroyed mosques, in overcrowded shelters, and beside the ruins of their homes, as Israel’s ongoing war left no room for traditional celebrations.

Israeli airstrikes continued through the early hours of Sunday, targeting various areas across the besieged enclave, resulting in casualties, according to an Anadolu correspondent.

Despite the destruction, displaced Palestinians gathered amid artillery shelling and heavy gunfire from Israeli forces to perform the prayers, recite takbirat (chants glorifying Allah), and exchange greetings for the Eid, marking the end of the holy month of Ramadan. But the holiday’s usual festive traditions, such as sharing sweets, giving gifts to children, and celebrating in public squares, were absent.

In Gaza City, thousands prayed inside the partially destroyed Great Omari Mosque in the Old City, which has suffered Israeli bombardment during the ongoing war, which began nearly 18 months ago.

Meanwhile, in Khan Younis, southern Gaza, displaced Palestinians did Eid prayers inside a makeshift shelter at a school housing families from the city's eastern areas.

Eyewitnesses reported that prayers and takbirat were interrupted by heavy gunfire from Israeli army positions stationed east of the city.

In central Gaza, thousands gathered near the ruins of the Al-Qassam Mosque in the Nuseirat refugee camp, as well as in partially destroyed mosques across the region.

Shattering a ceasefire and prisoner exchange agreement, the Israeli army on March 18 launched a surprise aerial campaign on the Gaza Strip, killing over 920 people and injuring more than 2,000 others.

More than 50,200 Palestinians have been killed, mostly women and children, and over 114,000 injured in the brutal Israeli military onslaught on Gaza since October 2023.

The International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants last November for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza.

Israel also faces a genocide case at the International Court of Justice for its war on the enclave.