In Gaza, the traditional celebrations of Eid al-Adha have been starkly overshadowed by the ongoing conflict, leaving many to observe the holiday amidst destruction and loss.

With no access to the customary pilgrimage, and the practice of animal sacrifice virtually impossible, residents find themselves grappling with a profound sense of grief and deprivation.

This Eid marks the second consecutive year that Gaza has faced celebratory constraints due to war.

The sound of festive Takbir (the traditional declaration of faith) emerges amidst the incessant airstrikes, resonating with an air of melancholy rather than joy.

Streets and homes, typically adorned with decorations, remain barren, reflecting the grim realities of life in a war-torn region.

Local resident Omar Abu Al-Kas expressed his deep disappointment, revealing that he had planned to make the pilgrimage to Mecca last year but was thwarted by the outbreak of conflict.

His hopes of performing Hajj this year have been dimmed as the violence continues unabated.

Abu Al-Kas shared, "I suffer from several health issues and fear I may not have the chance to fulfill my dream of performing Hajj.

My family and I used to look forward to the Eid rituals, but now, we are unable to even enjoy a basic meal, let alone sacrifices.

We endure a level of suffering that is intolerable."

Displaced residents like Ahmad Abu Haloub from Beit Lahia highlighted the loss of fundamental human rights, citing the prohibition against fulfilling religious obligations such as Hajj.

He noted that many had prepared for such journeys, aspirations cut short by the turmoil.

"Our mosques are destroyed, our families displaced, and we are left without homes or even proper shelters to celebrate in."

Abu Haloub expressed concern for his children, unable to provide them with new clothes or toys for the holiday.

He lamented the emotional toll of the conflict on their upbringing, saying, "The war has robbed them of their childhood.

Now, their largest hope is merely a meal to stave off hunger."

As he spoke, the sounds of Eid Takbir struggled against the backdrop of military operations, with loud noises of aircraft and shelling drowning out spiritual expressions.

Festivities have morphed into mere memories, as children no longer gather the courage to seek out their elders for the customary Eid gifts.

The pervasive picture is one of sadness and despair, repeated over four years of conflict.

Families that once excitedly prepared special dishes and baked traditional sweets now spend their days seeking shelter or scrounging for food.

The aroma of traditional festive dishes has been replaced by the stench of gunpowder, encapsulating the tragic reality faced by many in Gaza during this significant religious observance.