This is my third consecutive Eid al-Adha spent displaced, far from my home in Jabalia, in an area that has been designated a “red zone” under Israeli control.During the war, livestock farms – of cattle, sheep, and goats – were largely destroyed. Only a very small number of sheep survived. Because of the Israeli blockade, the entry of livestock into the Gaza Strip has been prohibited since October 2023. As a result, prices have increased roughly tenfold, with a single sheep now reaching approximately $6,000. This sharp rise has deprived many families of the joy of Eid and the ability to perform the ritual sacrifice, which is one of the most important religious traditions.The impact of the blockade was not limited to livestock. It also pushed up the cost of goods associated with Eid, such as chocolates and nuts. The price of a kilogram (2.2lb) of chocolate reached about $30, nearly four times its pre-war price. This rise has significantly dampened the festive atmosphere for many families.Despite the blockade, the destruction, and the overwhelming sadness affecting hundreds of thousands of families in Gaza, people continue to hold on to life and try to create happiness from the simplest things.On the night before Eid, I stood by the window of the house we rented in the Remal …
