Israeli forces continued their military operations in southern Gaza daily during Eid, declaring a ceasefire only periodically to allow humanitarian aid into Gaza. According to reports, these ceasefires are observed from 8 AM to 7 PM, aligning with local timings. The areas affected include the Kerem Shalom crossing, vital for connecting Gaza and Israel, which stretches from the Kerem Shalom crossing in southern Gaza to Salah al-Din Road and onward to the European Hospital near Khan Yunis City. Israel faces pressure from its allies, including the United States, to prevent further deterioration of the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
Continuous Military Actions Despite Ceasefires
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) clarified via a post shared on the social media site X that there is no ceasefire in place in the southern Gaza Strip, and intense fighting continues in Rafah. Israeli forces, after gaining control of the Rafah crossing with Egypt and relocating hundreds of thousands of individuals, have closed Rafah Crossing for over a month. Previously, this crossing was crucial for delivering humanitarian supplies into Gaza. Israel insists its actions in Rafah are necessary to “extract Hamas from its last major stronghold.”
Provocations at Al-Aqsa Mosque
Despite Israeli military aggression and various restrictions, over 40,000 Palestinians managed to enter Al-Aqsa Mosque and successfully perform Eid al-Adha prayers amidst chants of Takbeer. According to reports by Wafa news agency, Israeli forces attacked and violently disrupted Muslims intending to pray at Al-Aqsa Mosque. The occupying troops stormed the mosque courtyard, checked worshipers’ identification cards, harassed them, and caused disruptions in their movements.
Eid Tragedy: Bombardments and Loss of Lives
On Eid day, Israeli forces bombed three houses, resulting in the martyrdom of 28 Palestinians, while in a retaliatory attack, Hamas claimed the lives of 8 Israeli soldiers. The Israeli authorities confirmed the deaths of their soldiers. The situation in Gaza worsens with the juxtaposition of brutal bombardments and hindered relief efforts, exacerbating severe food shortages and humanitarian crises for the residents.
Grim Eid for Palestinians
Despite the announcement of the Eid holidays, Palestinians remain far from celebrations, constrained to live in makeshift camps due to Israeli atrocities. International reports highlight that after eight months of destructive conflict between Israel and Hamas, thousands of Palestinians have lost their lives, and the dire conditions make Eid festivities a distant dream for many.
