In a series of strikes in the Gaza city of Rafah, Palestinian health officials reported the loss of 19 lives overnight, including that of a young couple and their daughter, killed by an Israeli attack. Among the deceased were 13 children from a single family, adding to the mounting toll of civilian casualties in the region, news agency Reuters reported.
In the midst of these deaths, a baby girl was delivered through an emergency C-section from the womb of the slain Palestinian mother, according to Palestinian health officials. Weighing just 1.4 kg, the newborn was reported to be stable and gradually improving under the care of Dr. Mohammed Salama, Reuters' report stated.
The newborn, now identified as the daughter of the late Sabreen Al-Sakani, was placed in an incubator in a Rafah hospital, bearing the inscription "The baby of the martyr Sabreen Al-Sakani" across her chest.
According to her uncle Rami Al-Sheikh the baby's deceased sister Malak had expressed her anticipation of welcoming her into the world, wishing to name her Rouh, meaning spirit in Arabic.
Dr. Salama indicated that the baby would require three to four weeks of hospital care, after which her future guardianship remained uncertain. "After that we will see about her leaving, and where this child will go, to the family, to the aunt or uncle or grandparents. Here is the biggest tragedy. Even if this child survives, she was born an orphan," lamented Dr. Salama, highlighting the profound tragedy unfolding, as quoted by the report.
‘Everyone Awaits His Turn To Die’: Rafah Residents Grapple With Uncertainty
The devastation in Rafah was further underscored by the anguish of those who lost their loved ones in the attacks. Saqr Abdel Aal, grieving over the body of a child in a white shroud, expressed the loss suffered by his family, echoing the sentiments of countless others in the besieged region.
"All are women and children," he remarked. "My entire identity has been wiped out, with my wife, children and everyone," Reuters quoted him as saying.
Amidst escalating tensions, concerns have been raised about the possibility of a ground offensive by Israeli forces in Rafah. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reiterated the need to eliminate Hamas fighters to secure victory in the ongoing conflict, prompting appeals from US President Joe Biden to avoid further civilian casualties.
The violence has taken a heavy toll on Gaza's population, with over 34,000 reported casualties since the onset of Israel's assault. The recent surge in airstrikes has only exacerbated the humanitarian crisis, with Palestinian health authorities reporting 48 fatalities and 79 injuries in the past 24 hours alone, Reuters reported.
As the situation continues to deteriorate, residents like Abu Jehad, sheltering in Rafah with his family, grapple with the uncertainty of what lies ahead. "We are trapped and everyone awaits his turn to die," he lamented, conveying the sense of fear and despair gripping the locals, as per the report.