Livestock traders in Gaza are worried by an apparent decrease in consumer demand for meat imported into the strip for Eid al-Adha.
The approaching Muslim holiday includes livestock slaughter as a part of traditional sacrifice rituals and distributing the meat among relatives and the poor.
Traders bought large quantities of sacrificial animals in anticipation of the usual high holiday consumption. But this year, Gaza consumers are holding back due to sharp price rises caused by the 40 percent hike in the price of fodder caused by the global crisis of Russia's war on Ukraine.
Nevertheless, Gaza markets are buzzing with residents coming to see the Eid livestock markets as they determine their family's holiday food budget.