In the middle of Gaza's unrelenting chaos, Ola Al-Kurd's story offers a poignant glimpse into the devastation brought about by the fighting. Nine months later, along with great anticipation for the birth of her child, Al-Kurd hoped to bring life back to a region devastated by war. Unfortunately, on July 19, her anticipation turned to tragedy when an Israeli airstrike occurred at her family's Al-Nuseirat home. Ola died after falling several floors as a result of the blast, according to her father, Adnan Al-Kurd. Both her hospitalized husband and her unborn child made it through the ordeal alive.
The newborn, named Malek Yassin, was delivered by surgeons at Al Awda Hospital in Nuseirat, who managed a miraculous rescue despite the severe conditions. He was later transferred to Al Aqsa Hospital in Deir al-Balah, where an aunt gently touched his face in the incubator. Doctor Khalil Al-Dakran from Al Aqsa Hospital expressed relief at the baby’s survival but highlighted the severe shortages in medical supplies and ongoing damage to healthcare facilities due to the conflict.
This tragic event is part of the broader devastation in Gaza since Israel’s offensive began in response to a cross-border attack by Hamas militants on October 7 last year. With over 39,000 Palestinians killed and widespread destruction, including the ruin of many hospitals, the situation remains dire. The war has left countless families bereaved, and the survivors, like baby Malek, face immense challenges as the conflict persists.