Gaza’s Eid al-Fitr Preparations Crushed by Renewed Israeli War and Economic Collapse
As the Israeli war on Gaza intensifies, markets once alive with festive spirit are now silent and shattered, leaving families unable to celebrate Eid amid destruction, fear, and soaring prices.
Watan-The Israeli occupation’s renewed aggression against the Gaza Strip has cast a dark and heavy shadow over already exhausted and battered markets. With the war and siege dragging on, local businesses that would normally gear up for the Eid al-Fitr season now face a bleak reality. This period, typically marked by bustling markets and high consumer demand, has been gutted by the escalation—just as many other annual economic occasions have been wiped out before it.
Eid al-Fitr is traditionally one of Gaza’s strongest commercial seasons. It is a time when traders and vendors count on increased sales to recoup financial losses accumulated throughout the year. However, the latest wave of bombings and tightened restrictions have halted preparations before they could begin. The ongoing siege, paired with worsening security, political turmoil, and economic instability, has paralyzed the market.
Under normal circumstances, preparations begin mid-Ramadan. Stores and street vendors would stock shelves with toys, decorations, sweets, chocolate, clothing, cosmetics, and other festive goods. Eid shopping would also include home furnishings, bedding, curtains, and supplies for hosting guests. But this year, none of that is taking place.
In previous years, the final ten days of Ramadan transformed Gaza’s markets into lively, colorful hubs open late into the night. Families would pour into the streets to purchase clothing, food, and gifts. That energy has been replaced by fear, destruction, and silence.
Markets Gripped by Fear and Shortages
Since the escalation resumed and crossings were sealed on March 2, the situation has deteriorated sharply. Many stores have shut down due to depleted inventories, while others close early out of fear of potential airstrikes. Market streets are largely empty. Shoppers are staying home to avoid danger, while vendors struggle to source products due to blocked supply lines.
A clothing vendor operating in Gaza’s Al-Sahaba market shared that he now closes his stall before sunset due to security concerns. He continues working solely to provide basic needs for his family, as any plans for seasonal sales have vanished. His main store, previously located in the Rimal neighborhood, was destroyed in recent attacks. Prior to that, he had been preparing to launch sales and festive displays tailored for families across different income levels. All of that, he says, is now lost.
Unable to afford repairs and faced with unaffordable construction materials, he now relies on a modest street stall. His current business barely keeps him afloat and no longer reflects the kind of seasonal operation he once ran. Like many others, he has drastically scaled back his expectations.
A Season Without Celebration
Another clothing merchant noted that this year’s Eid is incomparable to past seasons. The combination of high prices, economic hardship, and lack of personal safety has made people hesitant to spend. Most are focusing only on absolute necessities. Even those who want to buy clothes cannot afford them.
The continuation of war has left many residents in a constant state of anxiety. Fear of bombings and further escalation has kept people indoors and forced many shops to close early, especially those selling seasonal goods.
Eid Joy Lost Amid Grief and Fear
One resident shared that celebrating any occasion has become nearly impossible since October 7, 2023. The ongoing Israeli assault has stripped people of the ability to experience joy, whether for Eid or any other event. Grief, fear, and financial instability have become the new normal.
In previous years, Eid meant buying new clothes for children and preparing the home for guests. But this year, soaring prices and the unrelenting threat of violence have made such preparations unthinkable. He explained that constant airstrikes often force him to stay indoors, making trips to markets for basic goods difficult and dangerous.
No New Clothes, No Sweets
One woman described how the renewed fighting has left families, especially children, in a state of fear. She said she can barely afford enough food, let alone new clothes or decorations. In the past, she would prepare sweets to mark the holiday—but this year, she’ll make do with the bare minimum.
She added that movement between areas has become extremely risky due to the airstrikes. Most people are prioritizing their safety over tradition. The usual rituals of choosing gifts and decorations have been replaced by a daily struggle to survive.
The Social Toll of War
Beyond the economic impact, the war has shattered the social aspects of Eid. Family visits and communal gatherings are no longer possible. Widespread mourning, displacement, and fear have taken a heavy toll. The joy of Eid—usually built on shared moments, laughter, and preparation—has been erased for thousands.
The skyrocketing prices of essential goods such as food and clothing have made holiday shopping out of reach for most. As families lose their sources of income and job opportunities dwindle, even simple Eid traditions have become a luxury. On March 3, a UN spokesperson noted that Israel’s closure of border crossings had driven up food prices in Gaza by more than 100 times.
