For some Egyptian Muslims, Eid is overshadowed by war in neighboring Gaza

Just south of Cairo in Egypt's Western Desert, worshippers from villages around the pyramid complex come together among ancient burial grounds, many of them bearing in mind the hundreds of thousands of people in the besieged Gaza strip where hopes for a Ramadan cease-fire were dashed. Abusir, Egypt, April 10, 2024.

Young men spent the night decorating the prayer site with balloons with the colors of the Palestinian flag. Abusir, Egypt, April 10, 2024.

“During our happy times, we must remember our brothers and sisters who are going through terrible times,” says Mohamed, one of worshippers attending Eid prayers against the backdrop of the Dahshur pyramids, Abusir, Egypt, April 10, 2024.

“I’m sure when my Palestinian friends on Facebook see me taking a photo with the keffiyeh and these balloons, they’ll know we care about them, too,” says Mohamed, a high school student. Abusir, Egypt, April 10, 2024.

Brothers Mahmoud and Abdullah distribute dates among worshippers young and old. “We try to spread happiness to people,” says Mahmoud, “and we wish that Palestinians will have time to celebrate Eid, too.” Abusir, Egypt, April 10, 2024.

Dates, cookies, and chocolates decorated with Palestinian flags were handed out to attendees. Abusir, Egypt, April 10, 2024.

Salem, with his young son Mohamed, says, “This Eid, I bought a Palestinian flag for my son, because we shouldn’t forget about our Palestinian brothers as we celebrate.” Abusir, Egypt, April 10, 2024.

Friends Islam and Osama pose for an Eid selfie to show solidarity with Palestinians. Abusir, Egypt, April 10, 2024.

Adulrahman and his daughter Rahma pose for pictures, wrapped in a Palestinian flag. Abusir, Egypt, April 10, 2024.

Worshippers left the celebration with balloons - and revitalized hopes for peace in Gaza. Abusir, Egypt, April 10, 2024.