Displacement and Economic Hardship Mar Eid al-Fitr Across War-Torn Middle East

As the Muslim festival of Eid al-Fitr begins, celebrations are overshadowed by ongoing conflicts and severe economic crises across Lebanon, Iran, and Gaza. Millions are displaced, struggling for basic necessities, and facing unprecedented challenges that make traditional holiday observances nearly impossible.

The Plight of the Displaced in Beirut

In Beirut, Syrian refugee Alaa, originally from the occupied Golan Heights, is homeless. Having fled the Israeli-pummelled southern suburbs of Dahiyeh, where over 1,000 have died across Lebanon, he now seeks shelter on the downtown waterfront. Alaa's immediate concern is finding a tent, a stark contrast to the Eid al-Fitr celebrations many Muslims anticipate.

After being rejected from a school shelter and sleeping on the corniche, Alaa was directed to downtown Beirut. He has yet to secure a tent and is currently sleeping in the open. The once-upscale downtown area is now transforming into a tent city, housing more than a million people displaced across Lebanon by the ongoing conflict.

The current hostilities, following closely on the heels of the October 2023 to November 2024 conflict, plunge Lebanon into renewed uncertainty. This cyclical violence underscores a wider regional instability that continues to devastate civilian populations and disrupt all semblance of normal life, even during periods traditionally reserved for celebration.

Iran's Economic Crisis and Divided Observances

Iran, in its third week of US-Israeli attacks and grappling with a pre-existing economic crisis, faces immense difficulties. Residents struggle to afford holiday items, with shopping in areas like Tehran's grand bazaar made dangerous by bomb damage.

The religious significance of Eid also presents a challenge for antigovernment Iranians, some of whom view any display of religiosity as support for the Islamic Republic. With Nowruz, the Persian New Year, coinciding with Eid this year, many in the opposition will opt to celebrate the secular holiday instead, further highlighting the deep internal divisions.

Gaza's Deepening Hardship

In Gaza, the enclave's economic crisis, exacerbated by Israel's "genocidal war" and increased restrictions on goods, has driven up prices for essential items, including children's toys. Khaled Deeb, a 62-year-old in Gaza City, lamented the unaffordable cost of fruit and vegetables at the central Remal market.

Deeb, who once owned a supermarket, reflected on past Eids when he generously gifted his family. Now, with his home partially destroyed and his finances decimated, he finds himself among the "poor and exhausted people" unable to celebrate. His sentiment is echoed by Shireen Shreim, a mother of three, who lives in an apartment with hollowed-out walls, highlighting the dire conditions faced by many who live in makeshift shelters.

Resilience Amidst Adversity

Despite the overwhelming challenges, some in the region are finding strength in solidarity. Karim Safieddine, a political researcher and organiser in Beirut, plans to celebrate Eid with his extended family. He views consolidating family bonds and fostering communal solidarity as crucial for survival and for building a forward-looking vision for a country under constant threat.

Key Takeaways

  • More than 1,000 people have died in Lebanon due to Israeli attacks, displacing over a million.
  • Homelessness and lack of shelter are primary concerns for many, overshadowing Eid al-Fitr celebrations.
  • Economic crises in Lebanon, Iran, and Gaza severely limit access to essential goods and traditional holiday items.
  • In Iran, political sensitivities and ongoing US-Israeli attacks create divisions around religious observances.
  • Gaza faces severe restrictions on goods, driving up prices and making Eid celebrations nearly impossible for many families.
  • Despite the hardships, some families are focusing on communal solidarity and family bonds as a means of resilience.