EXCLUSIVE PICTURES

Hundreds of Palestinians in the Gaza Strip were forced to observe Eid of a different kind this year. Many spent the first day after their period of fasting visiting the graves of their loved ones who were killed in Israeli attacks during the month of Ramadan.

Instead of the traditional celebrations, some Gazans spent the first day of Eid visiting relatives and friends in hospitals. Scores of young children suffered severe burns and injuries from shrapnel during the attacks. Some have had their limbs amputated.

The challenge facing the population of Gaza is compounded by the acute shortage of essential medicine caused by Israel's five year siege of the territory.

MEMO Photographer: Mohammed Asad