GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip (AP) — A Gaza health official says a panicking cow killed a Palestinian man who was trying slaughter the beast during the Muslim celebration of Eid al-Adha (Feast of the Sacrifice).

Muslims around the world slaughter sheep, cows and goats during the four-day holiday that began Friday to commemorate the sacrifice by their forefather Abraham. But accidents are common as people frequently buy animals to slaughter at home instead of relying on professional butchers.

Official Ashraf al-Kidra said Saturday that 150 other people were hospitalized in the Gaza Strip with knife wounds or other injuries caused by animals trying to break away.

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Impoverished families scrimp all year to pay for part of a sheep or cow for the holiday. Many also distribute the meat to even poorer families, giving the celebration a sense of communal solidarity.

Copyright 2012 The Associated Press.