Israeli airstrikes in Gaza result in orphaned children and bereaved parents

Reem Abu Hayyah, a three-month-old baby, was the sole survivor of an Israeli airstrike in Gaza that wiped out her entire family. In a separate strike, Mohamed Abuel-Qomasan lost his wife and their four-day-old twin babies. Israel’s ongoing conflict with Hamas has tragically resulted in the destruction of numerous families, leaving many children orphaned at a young age with no recollection of their lost loved ones.

The recent Israeli airstrike near Khan Younis killed ten people, including Reem Abu Hayyah’s parents and siblings. Meanwhile, Mohamed Abuel-Qomasan’s newborn twins and their maternal grandmother were among the casualties in a separate attack in Deir al-Balah. Abuel-Qomasan, holding his twins’ birth certificates, expressed shock and disbelief at the sudden loss.

The Israeli military has not commented on these specific strikes but maintains that it aims to avoid civilian casualties, attributing such incidents to Hamas militants operating within residential areas. The conflict has resulted in a significant number of orphans in Gaza, with thousands of children left without families or caregivers.

Gaza’s population has faced repeated evacuation orders, leading many to seek shelter in overcrowded tent camps along the coast. Despite the risks, some families choose to remain in their homes due to safety concerns, logistical challenges, or fears of permanent displacement. The ongoing conflict and displacement have created a humanitarian crisis in Gaza, with many civilians enduring unimaginable trauma and loss.

The United Nations estimates that around 17,000 children in Gaza are now unaccompanied, highlighting the devastating impact of the conflict on the region’s most vulnerable population. The cycle of violence and displacement in Gaza has taken a heavy toll on families and communities, underscoring the urgent need for a peaceful resolution to the longstanding conflict.