Israeli air strikes kill nine Palestinians as Gaza prepares for Eid al-Fitr

As Palestinians prepared to celebrate Eid al-Fitr, marking the end of the holy month of Ramadan, Israeli air strikes on Gaza killed at least nine people - including five children.

The dawn attacks struck as families were either asleep or getting ready for Eid celebrations, witnesses told Middle East Eye.

"We were safe in our homes, preparing to welcome Eid despite the pain, the bombs, the destruction, death and displacement," Mohammad al-Qadi, who lost his sister, nephew and two young cousins in the attack, told MEE.

"The entire world is preparing for celebrations and joy, except us. The people of Palestine, and the people of Gaza in particular, we are welcoming Eid with shrouds to wrap around our children."

READ MORE: Israeli air strikes kill nine Palestinians as Gaza prepares for Eid al-Fitr