Majed Hadib: The reality in Gaza today is completely different from any past Eid, as even the basics needed for celebration are not available.

Adnan Al-Sabah: The ongoing massacres against Palestinians make Eid an occasion devoid of hope and joy, amidst Arab, Islamic, and international silence.

Awni Al-Mashni: The road to freedom may be difficult, long, and filled with sacrifices and pain, but it is the only path available.

Sulaiman Basharat: A heavy holiday that has lost its humanitarian and religious meanings due to the harsh conditions Palestinians are experiencing.

Samir Anabtawi: The occupying state does not pay attention to Islamic holidays and occasions and continues its killing, starvation, and genocide against the Palestinian people.

Sari Samour: The Palestinians will one day be able to reclaim their homeland and holy sites and thwart all plans aimed at liquidating their cause.

This year, Eid al-Fitr comes to Palestinians, particularly in Gaza, amidst an atmosphere of sadness, pain, hunger, deprivation, and suffering. Its traditional rituals and meanings have been lost, and it has become an occasion marked by pain due to the ongoing Israeli war of extermination for more than seventeen months.

In separate interviews with Al-Quds, writers and political analysts say that the people of the Gaza Strip, who used to celebrate Eid with joy and family visits, now find themselves under the yoke of bombing, destruction, and displacement, preventing them from properly celebrating this religious occasion.

They point out that in Gaza, there are no longer mosques to hold Eid prayers, no markets crowded with shoppers, and no children's voices rising with joy in their new clothes. The siege, destruction, and killing have transformed the Strip into a tragic reality devoid of any sign of Eid. Families who have lost their loved ones, the displaced in camps, and the hungry who lack the most basic necessities of life, all live a reality that is getting worse by the day, amid Arab and international silence that perpetuates their suffering.

On the political level, writers and analysts say that internal divisions are casting a shadow over the situation, with increasing calls for a Palestinian reorganization to confront existing challenges. They express hope that the holiday will be an opportunity to achieve a truce or breakthrough.

They add: However, the facts on the ground appear more complex, as the occupation continues its aggressive policies and its intransigence in the face of any political solutions.

In light of this reality, Palestinians remain steadfast, believing that their suffering will not last forever, and that the hope for freedom and justice will remain present despite the pain.

The third Eid in a row under the shadow of war

Writer and political analyst Majed Hadib says that Eid al-Fitr comes to the Gaza Strip for the third consecutive time, without bringing any sign of joy to its residents. Palestinians are living under the yoke of war, destruction, and displacement, while Israeli bombardment and the blockade of the Strip continue.

"What kind of holiday is this when Gaza is being annihilated? What kind of holiday is this when the remains of our loved ones are still scattered everywhere? What kind of holiday is this when those who survived the Holocaust are moving in their tents from one area to another in search of safety and security?" Hadib adds.

Hadib asserts that the reality of Gaza today is completely different from any previous Eid, as even the basic necessities needed for celebration are unavailable. There are no homes for families, no open places of worship, no food or drink, and not even new clothes for children, given the complete closure of the crossings and the stifling blockade.

Hadib explains that the Gaza Strip has lost all of the usual features of Eid, with no prayers held in mosques, no street lights adorning the streets, and no open restaurants or entertainment venues. He points out that "all those places that used to be crowded with visitors on such occasions have now become destroyed areas and camps for displaced persons."

Hadib points out that Gaza is experiencing nothing but loss and tears. Many families have been completely wiped out, and there are no relatives left to visit. Even those who remain cannot meet due to road closures, fuel shortages, and the difficulty of movement.

"How can a Palestinian look forward to Eid when he cannot even visit his relatives because of the destruction and the siege?" Hadib asks.

Those who give charity need someone to give them charity.

Hadib asserts that the tragedy in the Gaza Strip is exacerbated by the deteriorating economic situation, with those who once gave charity to the poor now in need of others to give them charity. He explains that Gaza is no longer able to endure further crises, and that the Palestinian people in the Strip are now suffering from a cost of living that is beyond their capacity.

Regarding the political situation, Hadib points out that the hope Palestinians anticipate for Eid is the declaration of a truce, but even so, the next phase may be more difficult than the past.

"What's coming seems more uncertain and dangerous, not only on the Palestinian level, but also on the Arab level and for the future of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict," Hadib added.

Hadib points out that Gaza is witnessing mass protests demanding an end to the war and the achievement of national unity. However, recent statements by Hamas leaders and their responses to the demonstrations do not bode well for any real change in the situation, but rather confirm the persistence of internal division and the complexity of the situation.

Hadib asserts that the only solution to saving and rebuilding Gaza lies in Hamas' withdrawal from the political, security, and military landscape.

Hamas's withdrawal from the scene

"Hamas's absence from power could give the Palestinian people a chance to rise again and create the conditions for a final end to the war," Hadib says.

Hadeeb warns that Hamas's continued control of the Gaza Strip will lead to disastrous consequences, saying, "Hamas' insistence on ruling will leave Gaza with only two options: continued war or forced displacement, especially given the intransigence of the Israeli far right and its rejection of Hamas's presence as the governing authority in the Strip."

Hadib asserts that Gaza may be at a crossroads: it will either witness a breakthrough if Hamas withdraws from the political scene, or it will continue to be mired in a cycle of war and suffering. He points out that "the future could be better without Hamas in the picture, but that requires bold decisions that place the interests of the Palestinian people above all other considerations."

Palestinians now need to end the aggression.

For his part, writer and political analyst Adnan Al-Sabah asserts that holidays have always been occasions for joy and human solidarity, but the reality experienced by Palestinians today, whether in the Gaza Strip or the West Bank, completely contradicts these ideals.

Al-Sabah explains that the ongoing massacres against Palestinians make Eid an occasion devoid of hope and joy, amidst the Arab, Islamic, and international silence on the killing and destruction to which the Palestinian people are being subjected.

Al-Sabah points out that the Eid holiday is essentially associated with goodness, blessings, and charity, but even the simplest forms of solidarity, such as protecting civilians from killing, have become absent from the scene.

Al-Sabah stresses that what Palestinians need today is not only humanitarian support, but also a decisive stance that ends the ongoing injustice and aggression against Gaza and all Palestinian territories.

Al-Sabah asserts that the future of the Palestinian cause depends on the Palestinians' ability to unite around a unified national program, emphasizing that the persistence of division hinders any possibility of achieving justice and freedom.

Al-Sabah says, "The Palestinian people need real solidarity and practical support, beyond slogans," calling for effective Arab, Islamic, and international action to stop the crimes against the Palestinians.

The war of extermination and division double the suffering of the Palestinians.

For his part, writer and political analyst Awni Al-Mashni says that Eid al-Fitr falls this year amid exceptionally harsh circumstances for the Palestinian people, who are suffering under unprecedented persecution, including genocide, ethnic cleansing, famine, and detentions, in addition to ongoing Israeli attacks and violations in various regions.

Al-Mashni says: "What compounds our people's suffering on this holiday is not only the crimes of the occupation, but also the continued Palestinian division and media squabbling, which reflects a lack of national responsibility and a failure to rise to the level of current challenges."

Al-Mashni asserts that the Palestinian people, who have made enormous sacrifices over the past decades, deserve a leadership more capable of shouldering responsibility and with a genuine will to emerge from this impasse and lead them toward freedom and independence.

The occupation also faces a severe strategic crisis.

Al-Mashni points out that the crisis facing the Palestinians is not unique to the situation. Indeed, the occupation itself is facing a severe strategic crisis, despite its military and economic superiority. He asserts that Israel finds itself in a worsening predicament, with no way out other than ending the occupation and recognizing the rights of the Palestinian people.

Al-Mashni says, "The road to freedom may be difficult and long, filled with sacrifice and pain, but it is the only path available, and Palestinians have no choice but to move forward toward achieving their national goals, despite all the challenges and obstacles."

Al-Mashni asserts that Palestinians realize that their struggle will not be in vain, and that they are closer than ever to achieving their legitimate rights. He emphasizes that the will of the people will remain stronger than the occupation, and that the coming days will prove that the steadfastness of Palestinians is capable of changing the equation, no matter how harsh the circumstances.

The Palestinian endures pain and suffering alone.

For his part, writer and political analyst Suleiman Basharat asserts that this year's Eid al-Fitr comes to Palestinians, particularly in the Gaza Strip, as they struggle under the weight of killing, starvation, and escalating suffering. Basharat describes it as a "heavy Eid," one that has lost its humanitarian and religious meaning due to the harsh conditions Palestinians are experiencing.

Basharat says: "Palestinians no longer distinguish between days and occasions, even those that are supposed to carry feelings of unity between the Arab and Islamic nations. The Palestinian today feels that he is enduring pain and suffering alone, as if the world has completely abandoned him."

Basharat explains that this feeling not only generates pain and anguish, but also reinforces among Palestinians a growing sense of belonging to the Islamic and Arab world, which was supposed to come to the aid of the Palestinian people and alleviate their suffering.

Basharat points out that the suffering of Palestinians is not limited to special occasions, but rather their entire lives have become a continuous series of pain and bitterness, with no difference between one day and the next.

"The Palestinian today is no longer able to distinguish between his days, as they are all similar in the extent of their suffering, which forces him to live in isolation as if his only concern is survival, far from the concerns of the nation," Basharat says.

Eid brings some hope to Palestinians

Basharat believes that this reality is the result of accumulated feelings of disappointment, fear, and loss of the future, amidst the lack of clarity regarding what tomorrow might hold.

Basharat emphasizes that the holiday, despite its bitterness, carries at least some hope for Palestinians, saying, "Our Islamic holidays, whether Eid al-Fitr or Eid al-Adha, come after arduous rituals such as fasting and Hajj, as if God is rewarding Muslims for their patience. This feeling strengthens Palestinians' hope that this suffering will one day end, and then there will be joy and the reward of a better life."

Regarding the conditions of Palestinian children during Eid, Basharat says that even if they were able to buy new clothes or some toys, they would not be happy in light of a reality filled with killing, displacement, and ongoing targeting.

Basharat asserts that this feeling is not limited to the Gaza Strip, but extends to the West Bank, Jerusalem, and all Palestinian communities.

"The suffering is the same, although its details differ. Every Palestinian suffers in one way or another," says Basharat, noting that the reality of Eid today is not much different from any other day filled with fear, anxiety, and challenges.

Pain breeds challenge

Regarding the future, Basharat describes it as one of the most difficult questions for Palestinians, given the uncertainty and great risks surrounding it.

Basharat stresses that the Palestinians' history of struggle has proven their ability to persevere and adhere to their rights, despite all the pressure, massacres, and international failure.

Basharat says, "From Vietnam to Algeria to Somalia, many peoples have resisted occupation and colonialism and succeeded in triumphing despite harsh conditions. Palestinians today, despite the double pain of Eid, draw strength from their suffering to persevere, because pain breeds defiance."

Basharat asserts that the future outlook for Palestinians remains uncertain and fraught with danger, but at the same time, it holds out hope for a more stable and hopeful future. He says, "Perhaps this painful phase we are experiencing today is the key to transitioning to a better, more peaceful, and reassuring future."

The occupation does not care about humanitarian and religious aspects.

Writer and political analyst Samer Anbatawi says the Israeli occupation continues its escalation against Palestinians during Eid al-Fitr, without any regard for humanitarian or religious aspects.

Anbatawi asserts that the crimes committed by Israel in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank reflect its insistence on advancing its settlement project, noting that "the occupying state disregards Islamic holidays and occasions and continues its killing, starvation, and genocide against the Palestinian people."

Anbatawi stresses that the occupation has recently proven that it still possesses "brutality and repressive methods," despite expectations that the most extreme violence had been used prior to the ceasefire agreement.

"Unfortunately, it has become clear that the occupation has many brutal methods it has not yet used, and it continues to commit massacres against civilians," Anbatawi said.

Anbatawi points out that there are Israeli attempts to blame the Palestinian resistance for the escalation, despite the fact that the occupation is the one that violated the agreement and evaded political obligations. Everyone knows that Israel is the one that has thwarted any efforts to calm the situation and has continued its aggression against the Palestinians in Gaza.

Netanyahu is looking for excuses to continue the war.

Regarding the future of the situation during Eid and the coming period, Anbatawi asserts that the situation is heading toward further escalation, as Benjamin Netanyahu's government seeks to destabilize the security situation to avoid any political agreements.

"Netanyahu is looking for pretexts to continue the war, whether in Gaza or the West Bank, while continually evading any understandings that could lead to a long-term truce," Anbatawi says.

Anbatawi points out that the Israeli escalation comes within the framework of an "ongoing Zionist project" aimed at displacing Palestinians and controlling their land. He warns that "the price of surrender to the occupation will be much higher than the price of steadfastness, because it will open the door to the implementation of displacement and settlement plans on a broader and more rapid scale."

Anbatawi believes that the next phase, despite the possibility of limited calm, will continue to be characterized by escalation due to the occupation's intransigence and adherence to its expansionist plans. He said, "Israel will not cease its aggression as long as it implements its settlement policies without deterrence."

The joy of Eid is almost non-existent

For his part, writer and political analyst Sari Samour says that Eid al-Fitr comes to the people of the Gaza Strip this year amidst a catastrophic humanitarian situation. The Israeli aggression on the Strip continues, leaving tens of thousands dead and wounded, in addition to the widespread destruction of infrastructure and homes, making the joy of Eid almost nonexistent for Palestinians suffering from bombing, starvation, and siege.

Sammour asserts that this year's Eid al-Fitr marks the third consecutive time that Palestinians in Gaza have celebrated it amid an ongoing tragedy. He points out that Palestine, and the Gaza Strip in particular, has not known a happy Eid since the Nakba, as the population lives under the yoke of occupation and recurring wars, with brief periods of calm that do nothing to change the reality.

Sammour believes that Eid comes to the children of Gaza who may have lost their fathers and mothers or suffered permanent disabilities as a result of the bombing, while bereaved mothers live with the pain of loss after the martyrdom of their sons and husbands, until every family in the Strip suffers from loss and pain, in addition to the fear and terror of the continued attacks.

Palestinians cling to hope

Despite the tragic scene, Samour stresses that Palestinians are clinging to hope, believing that the ordeal will one day end and that they will celebrate their holidays as other peoples do.

Samour says, "There are universal laws that confirm that justice will prevail, and that the Palestinians will one day be able to reclaim their homeland and holy sites and thwart all plans aimed at liquidating their cause."

Samour explains that a study of history proves the Palestinian people's ability to persevere and confront challenges, despite international hostility and ongoing aggression. He points out that the occupation has failed over the decades to break the will of the Palestinians, and that hope will remain pinned on liberation from the occupation, no matter how long it takes.