Full Breakdown
Gazans Barred from Hajj and Eid al-Adha Amid Ongoing Restrictions
5/21/2026, 12:34:02 AM
Core Event
Israeli restrictions prevent Gazans from traveling to Saudi Arabia for Hajj and from obtaining sacrificial animals for Eid al-Adha.
Background & Context
War started Oct 2023, ceasefire Oct 2025, partial Rafah reopening Feb 2026, but only few hundred allowed weekly. The ceasefire, brokered by the United States, has not lifted the Israeli-Egyptian coordination that governs Rafah traffic.
Key Actors
- Najia Abu Lehia, 64-year-old Gaza resident.
- COGAT (Israeli military agency).
- Gaza Agriculture Ministry.
- Hamas-run media office.
- Egyptian authorities (traveler list).
Data & Statistics
- Pre-war: ~3,000 Gazans performed Hajj annually; 10-20 k calves and 30-40 k sheep imported for Eid.
- Since Feb 2026: only 5,304 people crossed (? 1/3 of expected).
- Past month: 8,000 tons of food delivered, no livestock.
- Aid deliveries in May 2026 at ~25 % of expected.
Official Statements & Responses
- COGAT: Rafah crossing limited to humanitarian cases; traveler lists set by Egypt, approved by Israel.
- COGAT: “We facilitate imports of meat, poultry, eggs and dairy, with nearly 8,000 tons delivered in the past month, though no livestock.”
- Hamas media office: says only 5,304 people have travelled in and out of Gaza since February, far below expectations.
- Gaza Agriculture Ministry: says Israel’s military campaign has caused systematic destruction of the livestock sector.
Criticism & Opposition
Palestinian officials claim the restrictions amount to collective punishment, denying millions a core religious duty. United Nations officials have urged unhindered access for both humanitarian aid and religious travel.
On-the-Ground Reports
Najia Abu Lehia, living in a tent camp in Khan Younis, says she fears dying without ever performing Hajj and notes that Gazans will mark Eid al-Adha on May 27 without sacrificial animals for the third year.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
COGAT reports ~600 aid trucks enter daily, delivering food per UN requests. Hamas and the Agriculture Ministry report severe shortages, especially of livestock, and claim overall aid is only a quarter of pledged volumes, revealing a discrepancy.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We registered and our names got selected for the Hajj before the war. Then the war broke out here and it became a barrier...,” — Najia Abu Lehia.
- “The border crossing is closed. Why is this happening to pilgrims? They want to fulfill their Hajj obligation, they do not want to do anything else,” — Najia Abu Lehia.
- “The ministry said Israel’s military campaign since October 2023 had led to the "systematic destruction of the livestock sector", with farms, barns, veterinary facilities and feed warehouses hit.” — Gaza Agriculture Ministry.
- “Hamas said aid deliveries had dropped to around a quarter of what was expected so far in May, despite calls from United Nations officials for unhindered access for aid and goods.” — Hamas-run media office.
What’s Next
Gazans await possible easing of Rafah restrictions before the Hajj season (July–August 2026) and before Eid al-Adha on May 27. United Nations officials and other international actors have called for unhindered access for religious travel and aid.
