In Gaza, a heartbreaking tragedy unfolded as a small grave became the resting place for a baby girl named Sabreen Rouh. Her short life was marked by the aftermath of an Israeli airstrike that claimed the lives of her mother, Sabreen al-Sakani al-Sheikh, and her three-year-old sister Malak.
Sabreen’s story began when her mother, 30-weeks pregnant, suffered serious injuries during the Israeli strike on their family home in Rafah. Doctors were forced to deliver Sabreen prematurely via Caesarean section in an attempt to save her life. Tragically, Sabreen’s fragile respiratory system and weak immune system proved too much to overcome, and she passed away just days after her birth.
Dr. Mohammad Salama, head of the emergency neo-natal unit at Emirati Hospital, spoke of the challenges faced in trying to save Sabreen. He highlighted the devastating impact of the Israeli war on Gaza, which has severely damaged hospitals and limited medical capabilities, contributing to the loss of innocent lives like Sabreen’s.
The broader context of Sabreen’s story sheds light on the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas militants in Gaza. The region has witnessed over 34,000 Palestinian deaths, predominantly civilians, during the six-month war. Infrastructure, including vital medical facilities, has been extensively damaged, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis.
Sabreen’s uncle, Rami al-Sheikh Jouda, expressed profound grief over the loss of his niece and other family members. He lamented the destruction that has torn apart families and erased cherished memories, leaving behind a community grappling with immense loss and devastation.
The story of Sabreen Rouh serves as a poignant reminder of the human toll of conflict and the urgent need for lasting peace and humanitarian support in Gaza.
