UN chief expresses heartbreak as Gaza, Sudan Muslims unable to celebrate Eid

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said Tuesday that his heart is “broken” knowing that many Muslims in Gaza, Sudan, and other countries will not be able to enjoy Eid al-Fitr, which marks the conclusion of the fasting month of Ramadan, due to conflict and famine.

In his Ramadan message, the UN boss expressed sadness knowing that in Gaza, Sudan and many other places — because of conflict and hunger — so many Muslims will not be able to celebrate properly.

Sudan was thrown into chaos following political disputes leading to clashes between the army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) since April of last year.

According to the UN, more 13,000 people have been killed and over 8 million displaced, with half of the population, or 25 million people, in need of humanitarian assistance.

Israel has killed more than 33,000 Palestinians since the Palestinian group Hamas’ cross-border attack on October 7, which cost 1,200 lives.

Much of Gaza’s infrastructure has subsequently been damaged, and 1.9 million residents have been forcibly relocated, putting them at risk of disease and starvation.