20/03/2026
Access to Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem has been restricted by Israeli authorities during Eid this year. For millions, this is not just a place of worship but a symbol of faith, identity, and community. Restricting access during such a sacred time carries deep emotional and cultural weight.
Eid is meant to be a time of peace, prayer, and togetherness. Families gather, communities reconnect, and people celebrate with gratitude. When that space for celebration is disrupted, it affects far more than a single day.
We have seen similar moments before. During Eid al-Fitr in 2021, the Gaza conflict escalated and around 256 Palestinians were killed, including about 66 children. During the 2014 Gaza war, which continued through Eid al-Adha, more than 2,200 Palestinians were killed. In more recent periods, including 2025, reports indicated dozens of people killed in Gaza on the very days of Eid itself, while millions faced displacement and food shortages.
In longer conflicts such as Afghanistan in the 1980s and Syria after 2015, violence did not pause for Eid at all. These wars have led to hundreds of thousands, even millions, of deaths overall, with civilians often continuing to suffer during religious periods. In Kashmir too, there have been instances of cross-border shelling during Eid, injuring civilians who were simply trying to celebrate.
These are not just statistics. These are families, children, and communities whose moments of joy were interrupted by fear and loss.
At the core of all this is a simple principle. Every community deserves the right to celebrate its festivals in peace. Whether it is Eid, Diwali, Christmas, Vesak, or any other sacred occasion, these moments are part of human dignity and cultural identity.
Respecting each other’s traditions is essential for coexistence. No one’s celebration should be overshadowed by violence. No place of worship should feel inaccessible on a sacred day.
Let us move toward a world where all communities can observe their festivals safely and freely, with mutual respect and understanding.
Eid Mubarak to everyone celebrating. May it bring peace, compassion, and respect for all.