As Eid al-Adha approaches, many Palestinians in Gaza are facing the painful reality of being unable to perform Hajj or even arrange traditional animal sacrifices due to the ongoing humanitarian crisis caused by months of conflict and displacement.

Thousands of Gazans who had hoped to travel to Saudi Arabia for Hajj this year have been prevented from doing so because border crossings remain closed and travel routes are inaccessible. Religious authorities and aid groups say the worsening security situation has left many families trapped inside the besieged territory with little access to food, shelter, or financial resources.

Residents say even the centuries-old tradition of sacrificing animals during Eid al-Adha has become nearly impossible. Livestock prices have surged dramatically due to shortages, while many families are struggling simply to secure daily meals. Markets that once prepared for Eid celebrations now remain largely empty amid continuing devastation and economic collapse.

Humanitarian organisations warn that conditions in Gaza continue to deteriorate, with shortages of food, medicine, clean water, and fuel affecting nearly every aspect of life. Aid workers say the inability to observe major religious rituals reflects the deep social and emotional toll of the conflict on ordinary Palestinians.

The crisis has intensified international calls for a ceasefire and expanded humanitarian access as Muslims around the world prepare for Eid celebrations.