Gaza Loses Eid Sacrifices for 3rd Year as Sheep Numbers Collapse to 3,000

5 articles · Updated · Middle East Eye · May 24

3,000 sheep and goats remain in Gaza, down from about 60,000 before the war, leaving Palestinians unable to perform Eid al-Adha sacrifices for a third straight year.
More than 90% of the livestock sector has been destroyed or damaged by Israeli attacks and restrictions, while live animal imports remain blocked and farms, barns, feed stores and clinics have been hit.
$7,000 is now the price of one of the few remaining sheep, up from $500-$600 before the war, pushing families toward frozen meat if they can get it at all.
1.6 million people—about 77% of Gaza's population—were facing acute food insecurity by late November 2025, with border closures and tight limits on aid and commerce still disrupting supplies despite a ceasefire.
The collapse reaches beyond the holiday ritual, wiping out work for breeders, veterinarians, butchers and farmers and deepening Gaza's dependence on restricted outside supplies.

A sheep now costs $7,000 in Gaza. What is the true price of losing a sacred tradition?

A ceasefire was declared months ago. Why is Gaza's path to recovery still being blocked?