Orphaned Siblings Brave Hardship and Uncertainty in War-Torn Gaza
In the war-torn city of Rafah, Gaza, a heart-wrenching tale of resilience and courage unfolds. Nagham al-Yaziji, a 15-year-old girl, and her 14-year-old brother, Mohammad, find themselves thrust into adulthood as they care for their seven younger siblings. The al-Yaziji children have endured unimaginable loss, losing both their parents over the past four months. Now, they must navigate the hardships of daily life in a war zone, all while trying to provide for their family.
The tragedy struck when their mother, Shouq al-Yazji, 37, was killed during the first week of Israel’s war on Gaza. On that fateful day, Shouq entrusted her youngest daughter, Toleen, who was only three months old at the time, to the care of Mohammad and Nagham. Little did they know that it would be the last time they would see their mother alive.
The devastating news of their mother’s death came late in the evening. Nagham recalls the overwhelming sadness and sense of loss that engulfed them upon realizing they would never see their mother again. Left alone without their parents, the al-Yaziji children faced mounting fears as the safety situation in their neighborhood deteriorated.
Seeking refuge, the family sought shelter at al-Shifa Hospital. However, conditions there were dire, with overcrowding and a severe lack of basic necessities, including hygiene facilities. Faced with these challenges, they made the difficult decision to flee further south. Their father set out to prepare for the journey but never returned.
Amidst the confusion and worry over their father’s disappearance, Mohammad and Nagham took it upon themselves to protect their younger siblings. With the help of their uncle, they set up a makeshift tent where they now call home. The older children shoulder the responsibility of caring for the younger ones, doing their best to provide for their needs.
Mohammad, despite his young age, takes on the role of a father figure, striving to fulfill the duties his father would have carried out. He often ventures out in search of work to earn money for their survival. However, there are times when he returns empty-handed, and his siblings go to bed hungry. The weight of this responsibility weighs heavily on Mohammad’s shoulders.
Nagham, as the eldest, assumes the role of a mother, tending to the needs of her siblings with the help of Mohammad. From preparing bottles for the youngest ones to changing diapers and planning meals, she does her best to ensure their well-being. However, Nagham admits that being a child herself, she sometimes struggles to understand the needs of her baby sister, Toleen, leading to moments of frustration and tears.
While the al-Yaziji siblings strive to make the best of their circumstances, they live in constant fear and uncertainty. The ongoing Israeli raids and the looming threat of a land assault only add to their terror. Mohammad tries to comfort his siblings, but he too trembles with fear during the bombings. Nagham acknowledges that there is no safe place for them to seek refuge, leaving them trapped in a cycle of fear and despair.
Through it all, the al-Yaziji children long for an end to the war and desperately hope to discover the fate of their father. Their resilience and determination in the face of unimaginable hardship serve as a testament to the strength of the human spirit. However, their longing for their parents and the toll of their circumstances weigh heavily on their young hearts.
As the world watches from afar, it is crucial that we remember the plight of children like Nagham and Mohammad. Their story serves as a stark reminder of the devastating impact of war on innocent lives. It is our collective responsibility to ensure that their voices are heard and that they receive the support they need to rebuild their lives. Only then can we hope to bring an end to the suffering of countless children caught in the crossfire of conflict.