Residents in Gaza, including Najia Abu Lehia, mourn the inability to perform the Haj pilgrimage with their deceased spouses. In past years, at least 3,000 Gazan pilgrims annually made the Haj journey, but war and border closures have restricted travel options.
The recently signed ceasefire of October did not fully restore travel opportunities; instead, heavy restrictions continue, particularly at the Rafah crossing to Egypt. Only a few hundred people are permitted through each week for humanitarian reasons.
Abu Lehia expressed her hope despite the challenges: ‘We were selected for Haj but war brought us back home and now we face this pilgrimage obstacle.’
Gaza’s government media office reported that only 5,304 people had entered or left Gaza since February, a far cry from the expected numbers.
Additionally, Gazans will observe Eidul Azha without animal sacrifices for a third consecutive year due to ongoing Israeli restrictions on livestock farming caused by military campaigns since October 2023.
Source: Original report
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