Tens of thousands of Libyans gathered today to mark the Muslim Eid al-Fitr feast, kneeling in prayer at the landmark Martyrs' Square as they rejoiced in the collapse of Muammar Gaddafi's rule.

At dawn, men, women and children began to pour into the Tripoli square -- which had been dubbed "Green Square" by strongman Gaddafi  -- decked out in their holiday best, as women ululated in triumph and spontaneous cries of joy erupted.

"This is the best holiday of my life," said Adel Masmoudi, who at 41 was born the year Gaddafi seized power.

An imam leading the dawn prayer at the square urged all Libyans to stand united and hailed the ouster of "the tyrant Gaddafi ", prompting jeers from the crowd at the mention of the former leader's name.

Rebel forces had set up a security belt around the square, as armed guards patrolled the area and shooters took position on rooftops overlooking the gathering which ended peacefully later in the morning.

The Eid celebrations in Tripoli began late yesterday with bursts of red tracer rounds fired into the sky as a substitute for fireworks.

"This is the first time we have felt relaxed in 42 years," Amari Abdulla, 24, told AFP. "We will celebrate as in the past but this time it is simply better. It is a new Libya."

The conflict in Libya has left more than 50,000 dead and perhaps twice as many wounded and missing, according to Ahmed Darrad, who is charged with overseeing the interior ministry until a new government is elected.

Anti-Gaddafi rebels claim to have "liberated" most of the African country. Negotiations are still underway for the surrender of regime loyalists in Sirte, Gaddafi 's hometown.

The International Criminal Court in The Hague has issued arrest warrants for Gaddafi, his son Seif al-Islam and the former head of intelligence Abdullah al-Senussi for crimes against humanity committed against regime opponents.