|
GAZA, Aug. 7-- Muslims in the Gaza Strip are preparing to celebrate Eid al-Adha, or the Festival of Sacrifice, amid hard living conditions caused by economic, political and social crises. Eid al-Adha is celebrated by Muslims worldwide in memory of Prophet Abraham's deed of nearly sacrificing his own son as ordered by God. Although the holiday is approaching, Gaza's markets lack the typical decorations associated with the feast, and despite that the markets are packed with goods, most customers don't have the means to buy even the most basic products, including bread, rice and meat. Al-Zawia market is considered as the biggest and most crowded one in Gaza. But a large number of customers flocking there on a daily basis only do some window shopping. "I see the goods in the market, but I cannot buy anything from the shops because of the high costs and I do not have the money," Halima al-Shaikh, a local resident, told Xinhua while she was buying a dress from a street vendor. Halima doesn't believe that the enclave will see better days, pinning the blame on the politicians and the ongoing rift between them. "In the past, women used to spend a week preparing for the Eid. Now, however, there is no more festivity. Days seem to be mundane," she said. Another customer, a mother of six, said that she has stopped celebrating the Eid since 2007. "My children are looking forward to the holiday but I cannot bring them what they want, which ruins the holiday spirit." | 
