Miracle Baby Survives Gaza Airstrike That Killed Entire Family, Faces Uncertain Future

TEL AVIV — Baby Reem, just 5 months old, is a miracle survivor of an airstrike that killed her entire family in the Gaza Strip city of Khan Younis on August 12. The infant was pulled from the rubble of her family's home, where 13 members of her family were killed while sitting down for dinner.

Reem's grandmother, Sayaeda Mohamed Husein Abou Haya, described the devastating scene, saying, "They were sitting eating dinner, and a missile dropped on them, leaving no one alive... No one but the baby." Reem's aunts are now caring for her, but she refuses to take formula, crying for her mother's milk.

According to UNICEF, around 17,000 children have been left unaccompanied or separated from their parents since the start of the war in Gaza. The International Rescue Committee warns that this number may be higher, and notes that children are experiencing toxic stress, leading to long-term health challenges.

Reem's story is not unique, as thousands of children have been killed or orphaned in the conflict. Doctors at Nasser Hospital say Reem's injuries are superficial, but she needs to eat soon to avoid dehydration. Her aunt, Soaad Hosni Abou Haya, has vowed to care for her, saying, “She is not the first child in Gaza to live without a father or mother. She will live as an orphan.”

The Israel Defense Forces said they are "operating to dismantle Hamas military and administrative capabilities," but did not comment on the specific incident. As for Reem's future, her aunt says, “Whatever fate faces Gaza's children will be Reem's fate as well. But first, she must eat.”