Eid al-Fitr

Eid al-Fitr marks the conclusion of Ramadan, the month of fasting, prayer and generosity. For many Palestinian families, the first morning begins with Eid prayer and greetings, then moves quickly into a social day of visits, children's gifts, sweets and shared meals. The holiday is an occasion to renew relationships as well as to celebrate the close of a demanding devotional month.

The General Personnel Council describes the government break as the eve of Eid and three days of holiday, subject to the annual decision that fixes the dates. Families may visit graves, give zakat al-fitr or other charitable support, and make a point of including relatives and neighbours. The Hijri calendar is lunar, so the Gregorian date is a planning estimate. The annual Council of Ministers’ decision and local religious announcements determine the operative date and public-service closure.

The 2026 school calendar identifies Thursday, March 19, as the beginning of the Eid break, while the calculated 1 Shawwal falls on Friday, March 20. The distinction reflects the General Personnel Council's separate eve plus three-day structure. PA public institutions, private employers, banks, crossings and humanitarian services do not necessarily publish identical hours. Conditions in Gaza and the West Bank can also disrupt travel and family reunion, so this guide records the official framework without assuming that every household can observe it in the same way.