Amidst intensified strikes in Gaza’s Rafah city, tragedy struck when Sabreen Al Sakani, along with her husband and daughter, fell victim to an Israeli attack. Palestinian health officials reported a total of 19 casualties overnight, including 13 children from one family.
The harrowing incident took an unexpected turn when doctors successfully delivered Sabreen’s baby girl, weighing 1.4 kg, via emergency C-section. Dr. Mohammed Salama, overseeing her care, expressed cautious optimism: “The baby is stable and improving gradually.”
Sabreen, 30 weeks pregnant, tragically didn’t survive the attack. Her newborn daughter, now in an incubator, lies alongside another infant, bearing the poignant label “The baby of the martyr Sabreen Al-Sakani.”
Uncle Rami Al-Sheikh revealed the poignant wish of Sabreen’s late daughter, Malak: “The little girl Malak was happy that her sister was coming to the world.” The infant, named Rouh as per Malak’s desire, faces an uncertain future.
Dr. Salama highlighted the profound loss: “Even if this child survives, she was born an orphan.”
The strike also claimed the lives of 13 children from the Abdel Aal family and two women. Saqr Abdel Aal lamented, “All are women and children. My entire identity has been wiped out.”
As Gaza reels under relentless bombardment, over half its population seeks refuge in Rafah. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s threat of a ground offensive looms, prompting President Joe Biden’s plea to avoid civilian casualties.
Palestinian health authorities reported 48 deaths and 79 injuries in the past 24 hours alone, exacerbating the toll of Israel’s ongoing assault since October. In the West Bank, two Palestinians were fatally shot by Israeli soldiers.
Amidst the chaos, Gaza residents like Abu Jehad fear the inevitability of invasion and yearn for a ceasefire: “We are trapped, and everyone awaits his turn to die.”
