After losing their three children in an Israeli airstrike in Gaza City last year, Diana and Omar Al-Rubai tragically perished in another airstrike just days before their expected baby’s arrival. Despite efforts to save Diana, she passed away in the hospital following the strike, prompting doctors to perform an emergency C-section to deliver the baby prematurely.
The newborn, named Hamza as his late father had wished, was born at Al-Helou International Hospital with complications due to his mother’s critical condition during the attack. However, Dr. Ziad Al-Masry, a pediatrician at the hospital, mentioned that Hamza is stable and likely to be discharged from the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) soon.
There have been similar cases like Hamza’s where expectant mothers like Diana have been impacted by airstrikes in the final stages of pregnancy, leading to the need for specialized care for premature babies. The Health Ministry in Gaza has called on the international community to safeguard hospitals in Gaza City to prevent a humanitarian crisis affecting numerous patients and casualties.
Hamza’s parents had been residing in a tent near Al-Shifa Hospital after their home was destroyed in a previous airstrike that claimed the lives of their other children. The recent strike that killed Diana and Omar left Hamza orphaned before his birth. The ongoing military campaign in Gaza has resulted in significant casualties and displacement, with UNICEF estimating that thousands of children have been harmed.
The conflict in Gaza has taken a toll on families like the Al-Rubais, with multiple losses and ongoing violence forcing residents to evacuate. Despite warnings and escalations, many people in Gaza City have chosen to remain due to the lack of safe havens in the area. The situation remains precarious as ceasefire efforts face challenges, and previous hostilities continue to impact the region.
The conflict between Hamas and Israeli forces has resulted in numerous casualties and unresolved hostage situations, underscoring the complexity and urgency of finding a lasting peace agreement in the region.