RIYADH: Eidul Fitr will be celebrated in Saudi Arabia on Sunday (today), according to a statement carried by the Saudi Press Agency.

“The Supreme Court has decided that tomorrow, Sunday, March 30, is the first day of Eidul Fitr,” the Royal Court said in the statement.

Most of the other countries in Middle East will celebrate Eid on Sunday. They include the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Bahrain, Lebanon, Yemen and the Israeli-occupied West Bank.

But Egypt, Syria, Jordan, Oman and Iran will celebrate Eid on Monday.

Outside the Middle East, Eid will be celebrated in India, Bangladesh, Indonesia and Malaysia on Monday.

What Ramazan has been like this year in Gaza

Across the Muslim world, Ramazan festivities this year were overshadowed by Israel’s resumption of hostilities in Gaza, where its military campaign to eradicate Hamas has killed tens of thousands of people.

Those observing Ramazan in Gaza also followed the thunder and rumble of Israeli air strikes, warplanes and drones, according to NPR.

In the second week of Ramazan, Israel broke a brief ceasefire and resumed bombing Gaza. The Israeli government said it was meant to pressure Hamas into releasing Israeli prisoners.

Recent Israeli air strikes have killed nearly 1,000 people, including hundreds of children in Gaza. Palestinians have evacuated their neighbourhoods under orders of the Israeli military.

Hopes that the war might end have been shattered, as Ramazan comes to a close. “This is psychological warfare,” says Issam Zakkout, who does not know whether to flee or stay at home.

The people of Gaza also struggled to find food in Ramazan as Israel imposed a total aid blockade on the territory, cutting off food, water and fuel.

At one community kitchen, hungry and tired people wait in a long line for a meal of beans to break their fast.

Before the conflict, Fouad Nassar would break his fast with chicken, fish and kebabs. “Every day we had proper meals. We didn’t need anyone’s help.

Now, why am I standing two hours in line for a plate from the charity kitchen?” Nassar told NPR news in an interview.

Published in Dawn, March 30th, 2025