Exclusive pictures - In preparation for Eid ul-Adha 2009 in Gaza

Today, Muslims around the world will celebrate Eid-al-Adha (the Feast of Sacrifice), which marks the end of the annual pilgrimage to Makkah. During this festival, Muslims traditionally slaughter a lamb as an act of faith and share it with the poor and needy. Men, women and children dress in their finest clothes to perform Eid prayer. 

However, this is far from a reality in Gaza. According to local and international ngos, the poverty in the Gaza strip has hit more than 70% of the 1.5 million residents. Most of the households depend on food aid by the United Nations agency for Palestine Refugees and unemployment now stands well over 60%.

Below are some pictures obtained exclusively for MEMO of Palestinians in Gaza preparing for Eid-al-Adha as best as they can.

Click on the images to enlarge.