Eid Mubarak. A month of fasting in exceptional circumstances around the Gulf and much of the Levant has come to an end and families around the region are marking Eid Al Fitr. Over the past 24 hours, I have been asked to speak to a number of international news outlets, to describe Eid during war. To be frank, the questions were thoughtful, trying to understand the mood in the country. However, the reality is the overwhelming mood here in the UAE is one of gratitude, for families and communities coming together in relative safety given that more than 2,000 projectiles have been launched against this country over the past three weeks. Food is plentiful, services running, and mosques were full of worshippers on Friday morning. Flights have resumed, although limited, and people have flown home to the UAE or travelled abroad, despite the challenges of delays and intermittent air space closures, in the past week.
The picture is markedly different in several countries in the region. Islam’s third holiest site, Al Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem, was closed by Israel at a haunting time. There is no real celebration for Palestinians who suffer under occupation, Lebanese facing escalating war where over 10 per cent of the population are now displaced, Iraqis whose country is being attacked by both sides of the warring parties and Iranians facing war and repression.
As the war enters its fourth week, political developments are not giving any clearer indication of when it will end. However, this Eid, prayers the world over will be that the end of the war is in sight.
Stories that defined the week
I hope you enjoy this week’s newsletter and please do write to me at eic@thenationalnews.com with any feedback.
The National produces a variety of newsletters across an array of subjects. Sign up to receive the best of our coverage here.
