Yemenis face "harsher-than-ever" Eid al-Fitr amid ongoing clashes in Red Sea

11/4/2024 6:30

        A hush falls over the busy al-Milh market in the old city of Yemen's capital Sanaa. The narrow lanes, where the cacophony of bartering and greetings never eases during the fast-breaking festival of Eid al-Fitr, now hold a somber air.
        The harsh economic reality worsened by the ongoing crisis in the Red Sea has completely soured the festive spirit of a day that marks the end of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.
        "This year is harsher than ever. There are fewer customers even than the previous years," sighs Mohamed Abu al-Arabi, a dessert vendor whose shop usually brims with excited families.
        Traditionally, vibrant displays of sweets would line the mud-brick shops lining the market. This year, the shelves hold a more modest selection, together with the weary faces of shoppers, indicating a stark reality.
        For Muslims, including Yemenis, Eid al-Fitr is a time for family gatherings and celebratory feasting. Homes are filled with cookies, biscuits, raisins, almonds, and other treats. These sweets are not just for indulging, but tokens of hospitality for visiting relatives and friends.
        "In the past, we'd buy new clothes for the children in the first days of Ramadan," said Ahmed Hamoud, a father of three, adding "now, even sweets are a struggle." Hamoud, who traveled from the outskirts of Sanaa, pinches his pennies, carefully selecting a modest bag of raisins and a few boxes of cookies.
        The Houthis, who control large swathes of northern Yemen, including Sanaa, have been targeting ships in the international shipping lane since last November to support Palestinians. In response, the United States and Britain launched airstrikes against Houthi targets in Yemen, further escalating tensions. This tit-for-tat on the Red Sea has caused a halt to many cargo ships reaching Yemeni ports, making essential goods even scarcer in the war-torn country.
        The conflict's economic toll is undeniable. Many families, unable to afford market prices, are resorting to tradition. They'll make "Kahk" at home, a simple yet delicious biscuit made with flour, water, eggs, and butter. This age-old custom ensures a sweet offering for Eid, even on a tight budget.
        But for the most vulnerable, even these small joys are out of reach. The United Nations estimates that over half of Yemen's population relies on food aid due to the years-long civil war. Local charities are trying to step in, providing clothes and sweets to ensure some semblance of Eid cheer for these families. But their efforts are a drop in the bucket.
        "We are hopeful for peace," said Al-Arabi, the shopkeeper. "That would be the sweetest Eid gift of all."