Gaza Livestock Losses Limit Eid Sacrifices

Palestinians in Gaza are preparing for Eid al-Adha, which begins Tuesday evening, without the livestock needed for customary animal sacrifice. The local livestock sector has been destroyed by the war. Israel is not allowing imports of live animals, leaving residents unable to obtain the sheep or goats traditionally required for the holiday.

Border crossing restrictions also prevent Palestinians from traveling to Mecca for the pilgrimage that coincides with Eid.

Eid al-Adha commemorates the willingness of Ibrahim to sacrifice his son and is marked by the slaughter of an animal whose meat is shared with family and those in need. Without access to livestock, many families in Gaza will be unable to fulfill this practice during the three-day observance.

The combination of destroyed local herds and blocked imports has removed the main supply route for sacrificial animals ahead of the holiday.