Gazans are celebrating the Eid al-Adha, which fell on Friday this year, amid displacement and lack of basic supplies caused by the ongoing conflict between Hamas and Israel.
Um Mohammad Habib is one of the thousands forced to flee from their homes. Like many, instead of celebrating Eid, she awaits relief including essentials such as food, water, or even a glimmer of assistance.
"Instead of waiting for Eid, we wait for aid. We check our phones for messages or any news. I can't describe what we feel -- hunger, pain, sadness. There are no holidays in this tragedy," she said.
Markets that used to bustle before Eid now reflect growing despair. Soaring prices have made food unaffordable for many families, pushing traditional customs out of reach.
"Life today is completely different. Prices have gone up, and people don't have money. Food and water are now the only priorities, despite how expensive they've become," said Hassan Al-Sall, a street vendor.
Religious practices also have changed. Nearly 90 percent of mosques in Gaza have been destroyed during the conflict, forcing worshipers to pray outdoors or among rubble.
"Gaza's mosques have been destroyed. People are living through hunger, siege, and tragedy amid ongoing genocide. Yet despite all this, they still find joy in the arrival of Eid al-Adha," said Mohannad Al-Afranji, a mosque imam.
Many Palestinians are still determined to preserve the traditions of Eid al-Adha as much as they can. Temporary prayer spaces are being considered once again, offering a moment of unity in the face of hardship.
Gazans mark Eid al-Adha amid conflict, displacement
Gazans mark Eid al-Adha amid conflict, displacement
Gazans mark Eid al-Adha amid conflict, displacement
The Iranian government is focusing on public concerns and maintaining stable supplies of essential goods amid recent protests, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said in a televised interview on Sunday.
In the city of Karaj, northwest of the capital Tehran, daily life has largely continued as normal. A video filmed by a local resident on Sunday shows food stores open and grocery shelves fully stocked.
"This is the block near my home, and there are some food stores here. Daily life continues here. Last night we did not see many protests in Karaj. Right now the city is very safe. This is a grocery store close to my home. All the food is available; nothing is in shortage. Here are noodles and different types of beans. Here are dairy products, cheese, and yogurt. I also checked other grocery stores and didn't see any shortages. Everything is available," said local resident Ali Reza.
Iranian officials have described recent disturbances as acts orchestrated by the "enemy," including some carried out by well-trained and armed "terrorists." The incidents have caused casualties among security personnel and civilians, as well as property damage.
The Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council Ali Larijani has directed authorities to severely punish the "terrorists."
Meanwhile, Iran's police chief Ahmad-Reza Radan said on Sunday that the police had raised alert levels and arrested several leaders of the troublemakers during the operations on Saturday.
President Pezeshkian noted in the interview that the normal demands of the Iranian people are reasonable and justified, but they must realize that triggering riots and carrying out terrorist acts are the enemy's attempts to undermine the country. He urged the public to remain vigilant.
Also on Sunday, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf warned that Tehran would regard U.S. and Israeli bases and facilities in the Middle East as "legitimate targets" if Washington takes military action against Iran. His remarks followed media reports saying U.S. President Donald Trump is "seriously considering authorizing a strike" against Iran.
Iranian state media reported that at least 109 members of Iran's security forces have been killed in clashes since the protests began 14 days ago. Meanwhile, human rights groups based outside the country said the number of protesters killed has exceeded 200, though the figure could not be independently verified.
The protests initially erupted over a sharp depreciation of the rial and sweeping subsidy reforms. Iranian authorities have blamed the unrest on foreign-linked agents and sanctions imposed by the United States.
Iranian president says government focusing on ensuring supplies amid protests
