Dr. Mohammad Salama, head of the emergency neonatal unit at Emirati Hospital in Rafah, confirmed Sabreen’s passing, expressing the difficulty of losing her despite medical efforts to save her. Weighing only 1.4 kilograms (3.1 pounds), Sabreen suffered from severe respiratory distress due to her premature birth, leading to her untimely demise.
Origins of the Tragedy
Premature Birth Amidst Conflict
Sabreen’s mother, Sabreen al-Sakani, was rushed to the hospital following the Israeli attack on their residence in Rafah. The premature birth occurred after her mother’s death, with Sabreen’s father and a young sister also losing their lives in the strike.
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Amidst Ongoing Conflict
Israeli Military Action
The Israeli military claimed the attack was targeting Hamas militants and infrastructure, yet it resulted in the loss of mostly women and children. Sabreen’s passing adds to the grim toll of casualties in Gaza, where thousands of children have perished in Israeli attacks since the conflict erupted.
Laying to Rest
Family’s Mourning
Sabreen was laid to rest beside her father on Thursday, as her uncle mourned the devastating loss of their entire family. He remarked on the tragic turn of events, with the surviving baby girl now joining her deceased family members.
Calls for Peace
Urgent Need for Resolution
Calls for an end to the violence persist, yet Israeli leaders have indicated plans for further military action, particularly in Rafah, where thousands of Palestinians seek refuge amidst the ongoing hostilities. The loss of innocent lives underscores the urgency of finding a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
