At al-Mawasi tent camp in southern Gaza, the Masri family’s children are seen smiling and playing together in the sand. However, their joyful moments come in the wake of experiencing horrific events.
“Their lives were at risk, subjected to extensive violence and devastation,” states their grandmother, Kawther al-Masri.
Six weeks ago, an Israeli bombing targeted a residence in the northern town of Beit Lahia, resulting in the deaths of the parents of one-year-old Jamal, as well as the mother and two young sisters of his cousins Maria, Jana and Zeina, who were aged between two and nine.
Israeli forces arrested the father of the girls over a year ago.
The children emerged from the debris, bearing injuries and facing their solitude.
Since the onset of the conflict in Gaza, reports indicate that over 14,500 children have lost their lives, with thousands more sustaining injuries. Additionally, it is estimated that around 17,000 children have become unaccompanied or separated from their primary caregivers.
Many individuals are too young to recognize their names, leaving them without identification.
Amidst the turmoil of bombings and widespread displacement, Unicef, the United Nations agency dedicated to children’s welfare, has successfully reunited only 63 children with their parents or guardians. The BBC reported on the narrative surrounding the four Masri cousins in the previous month.
“The joy of their return is profound, yet it is tinged with sorrow – they have returned without their parents,” Kawther al-Masri stated.
In mid-November, Kawther received devastating news: all of her loved ones who had stayed in the family’s home in northern Gaza had been killed. She reported that following her prayers, she received news that three of her grandchildren had survived.
She quickly realized that it was essential to bring them to her. “I longed for them,” she states. “I truly wished I could travel to the North and bring them back, but ultimately, divine will prevails over all.”
For over a year, Israel has effectively separated the northern third of the Gaza Strip from the southern two-thirds, delineating this division along the Wadi Gaza valley.
Humanitarian workers must engage in meticulous coordination to navigate the Israeli military zone that divides the territory.
Following the collection of necessary documents by Kawther, Unicef initiated its welfare assessments and undertook a meticulous process to facilitate the relocation of the Masri children.
While the four grieving cousins received medical care, their distant relatives stepped in to provide support. Unicef captured the poignant farewell as the children were transported in armored vehicles.
The journey from Gaza City to Deir al-Balah, where the convoy is currently en route, now necessitates navigating an Israeli checkpoint. This passage is time-consuming and fraught with danger amid the ongoing conflict. Unicef has stated that it is placing a high priority on the reunification of children.
“There are numerous challenges,” states Rosalia Bollen, a spokesperson for Unicef. “The discussion centers on children who are in a state of significant vulnerability.”
“These narratives highlight the profound experiences of loss, encompassing both significant mental and physical trauma, and the journey these children must undertake to heal.” The reunification of children with one or both parents or family members holds significant importance.
Kawther recounts the excruciating wait on the day the children were expected to arrive, culminating in a phone call from Unicef. It had been 14 months since she last saw her grandchildren.
“I was at a loss for who to embrace first!” she exclaims. My initial embrace was with Jana, followed by Zeina. The moment was tender as I leaned in to kiss her and warmly wrapped my arms around her.
My grandchildren once referred to me as ‘Kuko,’ even though Zeina could not speak during our last encounter, she recognized this nickname as mine. She repeatedly inquired, “Are you Kuko?” Is it you that I sought out upon my arrival? I informed her that I was. She experienced a sense of security.
The narrative surrounding the Masri family reflects a situation many can relate to. Their separation occurred in the initial stages of the conflict.
In the aftermath of the Hamas assault on 7 October 2023, which resulted in the deaths of approximately 1,200 individuals in southern Israel, the Israeli military issued an order for 1.1 million residents in northern Gaza to relocate southward. This directive indicates a potential escalation, suggesting preparations for a ground invasion are underway.
Kawther and most of her children swiftly gathered their belongings and relocated to Rafah; however, arrangements for her two sons, Ramadan and Hamza, did not materialize as planned. They decided to remain with their spouses, one of whom was expecting, along with their young children.
In November 2023, Israeli forces apprehended Hamza in Beit Lahia. His immediate family members assert they are farmers and have no ties to political groups. The Israeli authorities have not provided any information to the BBC regarding Hamza’s situation.
During the ongoing conflict, Israel has apprehended thousands of individuals from Gaza, citing suspicions of terrorism as the primary reason for these detentions.
“This has been our fate,” Kawthar expresses with hopelessness. “We experienced the loss of our homes, land, and loved ones, and found ourselves divided between the North and the South.”
As the number of unaccounted-for individuals continues to rise, many seek assistance from the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). The process involves gathering comprehensive information and verifying it against accessible sources, including hospital records and the identities of returned detainees.
Over 8,300 cases have been documented by the organization, yet approximately 2,100 have been resolved. A limited number of these cases have resulted in family reunifications.
“Individuals find themselves in a state of uncertainty – they are left questioning the fate of their loved ones, unsure if they are alive, injured, hospitalized, or trapped beneath debris, and whether they will ever reunite,” states Sarah Davies from the ICRC.
Healthcare professionals and hospital personnel are actively involved in efforts to facilitate connections between patients and their families.
Almost a year prior, the BBC captured footage of a newborn baby delivered via Caesarean section following the tragic death of her mother in an Israeli air strike. Medical personnel referred to the young girl as “the daughter of Hanna Abu Amsha,” maintaining details about her in the hopes that her family might be able to locate her.
In a recent update from the nursery at Al-Aqsa Martyrs’ Hospital in Deir al-Balah, officials confirmed that the baby has been successfully returned to her father and is reported to be in good health.
Shortly after the Masri family’s reunion, a local journalist affiliated with the BBC visited Kawther and her grandchildren at the al-Mawasi displaced people’s camp, where they currently reside in a tent. In a time of dwindling resources, Unicef stepped in to assist, ensuring access to additional food and medication for those in need.
The girls were equipped with warm jackets, offering some measure of protection against the frigid temperatures that have resulted in multiple infant fatalities due to hypothermia, including incidents at the camp located near the coastal city of Khan Younis.
Kawther feels relieved at having the children by her side; however, her concerns about their safety remain palpable. Concerns arise regarding the care and mental well-being of those individuals.
“They are in shock,” she stated. “Despite our efforts to divert the girls’ attention and steer clear of discussions about the war, they occasionally drift into contemplation.”
“As darkness descends, fear grips them.” Reports indicate: ‘A plane is present, and a strike is underway.’ Inquiries arise: ‘Is it dawn yet?’ Only with the arrival of morning does a sense of reassurance begin to settle in.
Kawther expresses a profound desire for a ceasefire, yearning for her grandchildren to have the opportunity to rebuild their lives. Avoiding the fate of becoming a lost generation is crucial.
