The tragic story of a family of four escaping an Israeli airstrike in Gaza has caused shockwaves throughout the world. On May 16, 2021, the family, Yusef, Suhayma, and their two children, made the sudden and difficult decision to leave their home due to an impending Israeli airstrike. Regrettably, they were unable to outpace the Israeli strike, and they were killed the following day.
In the early morning of 16th May, residents of Al-Rimal area in Gaza were evacuated by Israeli military forces. This included the Abbasi family, who had to make the split-second decision to leave the safety of their home in search of a safer place. But the evacuation order was met with a gaping realization – how could they flee from the danger when they have no safe haven outside the city?
Yusef and Suhayma Abbasi stayed by the side of each other the entire night, considering their predicament. Their two children, Maalel and Yahya were tightly hugged and carried the entire night. After receiving information that the children would be safe if they moved towards the coast, the Abbasis decided to take the riskier option and flee towards the sea. As they moved, they also encountered UNRWA (United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East) buses evacuating refugees and children.
It was a heart-wrenching decision, but they were determined to try anything to save their children. And try they did, leaving Al-Rimal to find a safe spot. Unfortunately, their hope dissipated just 24 hours later, when an Israeli airstrike hit their convoy and killed the entire family.
News of the Abbasi’s deaths has caused a collective outcry of shock and sorrow. The International Red Cross characterized the incident as another “sad example of what civilians are enduring in the current battle between Israel and Hamas.” World leaders have condemned the atrocity, with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressing his deep sadness over the death of an “entire family” in an “appalling incident.”
The death of the Abbasi family, who perished only after following eviction orders, has raised questions about the indiscriminate and questionable behavior of the Israeli military forces in the Gaza. In the absence of proper justification for such intensity of firepower, large-scale civilian casualties have become typical, and innocent families like the Abbasis have become victims of a seemingly never-ending power-struggle.
The tragedy of the Abbasi family has sent rippling grief throughout the world and presented a dire warning for other Gaza-based residents. This family’s story is yet another reminder of the volatility of the current conflict and the military forces’ disregard for civilian life. Hopefully, their story serves as a springboard for meaningful dialogue and a better understanding of how to protect civilian life in any future conflict.