A tragic event unfolded on April 20 in Rafah, Gaza, when Israeli forces dropped a bomb on the al-Sakani family home. The explosion occurred shortly before midnight, ending the lives of Sabreen, her husband, and their three-year-old daughter, Malak. The mother-to-be had carried her child for over seven months, but the explosion caused fatal injuries.
Emergency Caesarean Section
Despite the chaos, rescue workers acted swiftly to reach the scene, finding Sabreen seriously injured but with signs of life from her unborn baby. They rushed Sabreen to a nearby hospital, where doctors performed an emergency Caesarean section to save the child.
The medical team worked quickly to resuscitate the baby, gently tapping her chest to encourage breathing while air was pumped into her lungs. Despite the mother’s death, the baby—who weighed just 1.4kg (3.1 lbs)—survived the harrowing ordeal.
Survival Against All Odds
The baby was placed in an incubator following the operation. Medical staff expect the newborn to remain in the hospital for up to a month as she stabilizes and gains strength.
The hospital’s doctor said the child’s survival was miraculous given the circumstances of her birth. The baby will require intensive care and monitoring due to her low birth weight and the trauma of the emergency procedure.
A Community in Mourning
The tragic loss of Sabreen, her husband, and their young daughter Malak has left the community in mourning. Family members and friends have gathered to support each other as they come to terms with the loss.
Amid the grief, the survival of the newborn has brought a glimmer of hope, highlighting the resilience of life even in the most challenging situations. The hospital staff continue to work tirelessly to ensure the child’s safety and well-being in the coming weeks.
Also learn about Humanity Matters Spearheads Further Relief Efforts for Gaza.
