٠٠:٠٣:٣٨The marketplaces of Rafah were bustling on Tuesday ahead of Eid al-Fitr celebrations in the besieged Gaza Strip.
Footage shows the area crowded with shoppers as local vendors displayed Eid-related goods such as toys, nuts and 'Eid Maamoul', a popular treat among Palestinians.
Abdul Rahman al-Najjar, previously displaced from northern Gaza, said that people just want to enjoy the festivities despite the high cost of living due to the Israeli blockade.
“Despite the sacrifices, shelling and starvation, we want to celebrate Eid and people want to live, as you can see from the market,” he said. “people want to rejoice in Eid in any way. They want to be happy in spite of what is happening.”
Fighting in Gaza between Israel and Hamas is currently in its seventh month. The Palestinian group launched an unprecedented attack on southern Israel on October 7, killing 1,139 people, mostly civilians, and kidnapping over 200, according to Israeli officials.
Israel declared war on the group and a 'complete siege' of Gaza, with a large-scale campaign of air strikes. A ground incursion began at the end of the third week, with Israeli leaders vowing to 'wipe out' Hamas.
Palestinian officials reported that at least 33,000 people had been killed and 75,000 injured at time of publication.
The Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) claimed that Hamas locations and infrastructure were targeted in the response. However, United Nations experts warned against 'collective punishment' for the people of Gaza, before predicting a 'humanitarian crisis' and then claimed that 'hell is settling in' for the region.
'People want to live' - Locals flock to Rafah market ahead of Eid al-Fitr celebrations
The marketplaces of Rafah were bustling on Tuesday ahead of Eid al-Fitr celebrations in the besieged Gaza Strip.
Footage shows the area crowded with shoppers as local vendors displayed Eid-related goods such as toys, nuts and 'Eid Maamoul', a popular treat among Palestinians.
Abdul Rahman al-Najjar, previously displaced from northern Gaza, said that people just want to enjoy the festivities despite the high cost of living due to the Israeli blockade.
“Despite the sacrifices, shelling and starvation, we want to celebrate Eid and people want to live, as you can see from the market,” he said. “people want to rejoice in Eid in any way. They want to be happy in spite of what is happening.”
Fighting in Gaza between Israel and Hamas is currently in its seventh month. The Palestinian group launched an unprecedented attack on southern Israel on October 7, killing 1,139 people, mostly civilians, and kidnapping over 200, according to Israeli officials.
Israel declared war on the group and a 'complete siege' of Gaza, with a large-scale campaign of air strikes. A ground incursion began at the end of the third week, with Israeli leaders vowing to 'wipe out' Hamas.
Palestinian officials reported that at least 33,000 people had been killed and 75,000 injured at time of publication.
The Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) claimed that Hamas locations and infrastructure were targeted in the response. However, United Nations experts warned against 'collective punishment' for the people of Gaza, before predicting a 'humanitarian crisis' and then claimed that 'hell is settling in' for the region.
The marketplaces of Rafah were bustling on Tuesday ahead of Eid al-Fitr celebrations in the besieged Gaza Strip.
Footage shows the area crowded with shoppers as local vendors displayed Eid-related goods such as toys, nuts and 'Eid Maamoul', a popular treat among Palestinians.
Abdul Rahman al-Najjar, previously displaced from northern Gaza, said that people just want to enjoy the festivities despite the high cost of living due to the Israeli blockade.
“Despite the sacrifices, shelling and starvation, we want to celebrate Eid and people want to live, as you can see from the market,” he said. “people want to rejoice in Eid in any way. They want to be happy in spite of what is happening.”
Fighting in Gaza between Israel and Hamas is currently in its seventh month. The Palestinian group launched an unprecedented attack on southern Israel on October 7, killing 1,139 people, mostly civilians, and kidnapping over 200, according to Israeli officials.
Israel declared war on the group and a 'complete siege' of Gaza, with a large-scale campaign of air strikes. A ground incursion began at the end of the third week, with Israeli leaders vowing to 'wipe out' Hamas.
Palestinian officials reported that at least 33,000 people had been killed and 75,000 injured at time of publication.
The Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) claimed that Hamas locations and infrastructure were targeted in the response. However, United Nations experts warned against 'collective punishment' for the people of Gaza, before predicting a 'humanitarian crisis' and then claimed that 'hell is settling in' for the region.