In a gesture of solidarity with the people of war-torn Gaza, Pakistan's caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar has declared a ban on New Year celebrations in the country [1b628709]. The ban is a response to the dire situation in Palestine, where thousands of Palestinians, including women and children, have been killed since the start of the war [1b628709]. Kakar criticized the Israeli forces for their violence and injustice and highlighted Pakistan's efforts to raise awareness about the plight of the Palestinian people [1b628709]. It is worth noting that Pakistan's New Year celebrations are traditionally not extravagant due to the influence of Islamic groups [1b628709]. The ban on New Year celebrations is seen as a way to show solidarity with the Palestinians and exhibit sobriety and humility at the New Year [1b628709].
Pakistan is not the only country that has cancelled New Year celebrations due to the Gaza war. Sharjah in the UAE has also banned New Year celebrations as a show of solidarity with the Palestinians [58d0a522]. In addition, in Iraq, many Christians have cancelled their festivities in response to the conflict [58d0a522].
Meanwhile, in Israel, missile defense systems intercepted rockets as people celebrated the New Year [58d0a522]. The armed wing of Hamas claimed responsibility for the missile strikes [58d0a522]. The conflict between Israel and Hamas started in October last year, and the Israeli army has warned that the offensive will continue throughout 2024 [58d0a522].
Despite the cancellations in Pakistan, Sharjah, and Iraq, other countries around the world celebrated the New Year with fireworks and music [58d0a522].
The ban on New Year celebrations in Pakistan, along with the cancellations in Sharjah and Iraq, reflects the global impact of the Gaza war on New Year festivities [1b628709] [58d0a522].