War-Weary Lebanon Marks Eid With Muted Celebration

Muslims worldwide celebrated Eid al-Fitr on Friday, marking the end of Ramadan, the month of fasting. The celebration, which begins with the sighting of the new moon and lasts two days, involves congregational prayers and gatherings of family and friends. While most countries observed Eid on Friday, some, including Mali, Niger, and Afghanistan, celebrated it on Thursday due to differing moon sighting practices. This year's Eid al-Fitr arrives amid conflict and instability in many Muslim-majority countries, including Iran, Lebanon, and Sudan, where the ongoing war has caused widespread disruption and displacement. The UN reports over one million people displaced in Lebanon due to expanded Israeli attacks, and Sudan faces a major humanitarian crisis as its war enters its third year.

As the world focuses on the Iran war in March 2026, Israel has tightened restrictions on Gaza, leading to increased shortages and economic hardship for millions of residents during the Eid al-Fitr holiday. The restrictions on the flow of goods and aid have caused soaring prices for essential commodities like tomatoes, canned goods, cooking gas, and electricity. Some traders are exploiting the situation by raising prices, further exacerbating the crisis. The economic crisis is a result of the Israeli occupation, local market dynamics, and regional strategies. This has turned a time of celebration into one of anxiety for many families in Gaza.