Muslims across the world celebrate end of Ramadan
IN PICTURES: Muslim world marks Eid al-Fitr with group prayers and large family gatherings; Netanyahu phones Palestinian President Abbas on holiday, marking first time they spoke in a year.
Across the world on Friday, Muslims celebrated the Eid al-Fitr holiday.
Marking the end of the holy fasting month of Ramadan, Eid al-Fitr is one of the centerpieces of the Muslim calendar. It features large public group prayers and extended family gatherings.
Parents often buy gifts and new clothes for their children. Public squares, parks and zoos across the Muslim world become packed with visitors and picnickers.
Most Muslim countries began celebrating on Friday, but some places, such as Morocco, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh, will only celebrate it on Saturday. This is because the holiday is postponed by a day if the new moon cannot be seen.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Friday called Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas to wish him a happy Eid al-Fitr. Netanyahu told Abbas that Israeli citizens wish for peace and that Israel will continue to work towards regional stability.
This was the first time the two leaders spoke in a year, when the kidnapping and murder of three Israeli teenagers chilled relations. An official Palestinian Authority statement noted that Netanyahu expressed hope that peace would soon be reached.
Associated Press contributed to this report.
