The Impact of War on Eid al-Adha Celebrations in Palestine
The upcoming Eid al-Adha, a significant religious occasion for Muslims, is overshadowed by the ongoing Israeli conflict in Gaza and the West Bank. This conflict, which began on October 7, has claimed the lives of over 122,000 Palestinians, with many victims being children and women. In addition, more than 10,000 individuals remain missing amidst widespread destruction and famine. This somber backdrop has heavily dampened the festive spirit traditionally associated with Eid al-Adha.
According to Palestinian authorities, the ramifications of the war are equally felt in the West Bank, where 537 Palestinians have been killed and approximately 5,200 wounded due to escalated attacks by the Israeli army and settlers. The usual hustle and bustle of markets in places like Ramallah is markedly absent this year, with merchants reporting significantly reduced sales as people prioritize survival over celebration.
Trader Osama Abboud notes, 'This is the second Eid amid war. There is no joy. Few people shop or buy new clothes for the holiday.' A similar sentiment is shared by Samer Arafat, a government employee, who states that the deteriorating financial conditions have made it impossible for many to buy Eid obligations. The financial crisis, exacerbated by Israel’s withholding of funds, has led to incomplete salary disbursements to Palestinian government employees, further worsening the economic strain in the region.
War Crimes Accusations
On the legal front, a recent UN report accuses Israel and seven Palestinian armed groups, including Hamas, of committing war crimes. These accusations cover a wide range of atrocities such as attacks on civilians, murder, torture, and sexual violence. Navi Pillay, who chairs the commission of inquiry, emphasizes the need for accountability to break the cycle of violence. She adds that both sides must adhere to international law to prevent further aggression and reprisals.
The commission's findings include allegations against Israel for 'crimes against humanity,' including extermination, murder, and gender-based persecution, while Palestinian armed groups are accused of war crimes including torture and murder. The commission underscores the necessity of strict adherence to international law to end the cyclical violence.
Financial Crisis and Economic Strain
Compounding the humanitarian crisis is a severe financial predicament. The Palestinian government announced austerity measures last April due to Israel’s deductions from tax funds and decreased foreign aid. The war has led Israel to suspend the transfer of clearing funds, destabilizing the Palestinian economy further. The economic strain is profound, with significant losses in the West Bank economy and incomplete salary payments to public employees. This financial instability is starkly evident in the weak purchasing power and empty markets ahead of Eid al-Adha.
This year's Eid al-Adha in Palestine is characterized by somber reflections on loss and survival rather than celebration, highlighting the severe impact of ongoing conflict on both human lives and economic stability.
- Trader Osama Abboud noted a striking 70% decrease in clothing sales compared to the previous year despite substantial discounts, which he attributes to the ongoing Israeli conflict and economic downturn.
- According to a government official, the austerity measures and incomplete salaries have significantly impacted public servants, contributing to reduced consumer spending and a downturned economy in both the Gaza Strip and the West Bank.
- UN investigators' report highlights that the alleged war crimes committed since October 7 encompass extreme violence, including gender-based persecution and forced transfers, which have severely disrupted the lives of the Palestinian populace.
- The withholding of clearance funds by Israel, further compounded by reduced international grants, has left the Palestinian government heavily reliant on limited local revenues, aggravating the financial strain amid the conflict.
