Islam Times - Gaza prepares for Eid-ul-Fitr

Islam Times - As the Holy Month of Ramadan draws to an end, Palestinians in the blockaded Gaza Strip are preparing to receive the Eid-ul-Fitr holiday like all Muslims around the world.

This sacred occasion, marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan and the beginning of the Muslim month of Shawwal.

Traditionally Muslims shop around for new clothes but for Gazans who have been under a tight Israeli blockade for several years the task is arduous in light of shortage of goods and their high prices specially in a place like Gaza where unemployment and poverty rates are among the highest in the world.

The situation in Gaza’s markets grew worse after Egypt shut down tunnels which were used to bring neccessary commodities into the tiny coastal enclave. Most of the goods in Gaza were brought in via those tunnels.

For merchants it’s one of the worst seasons they’ve had in many years. They say buyers come and browse instead of buying. Their merchandizes are sitting on the shelves just collecting dust.

As the international community continues to turn a blind eye on Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, people here are bracing themselves for another holiday under a crippling blockade.

As Gazans prepare for Eid-ul-Fitr they say that celebrations will undoubtedly fall short of being a celebration in full due to the Israeli blockade.