Jamal’s parents tragically lost their lives in an Israeli airstrike earlier this year.
The Masri children, currently residing in the al-Mawasi tent camp in southern Gaza, are finding moments of joy playing in the sand, despite having endured unimaginable trauma.
“Their lives were at risk amidst rampant violence and destruction,” says their grandmother, Kawther al-Masri.
Weeks ago, an Israeli bombing devastated their home in Beit Lahia, resulting in the deaths of Jamal’s parents and the mother and two young sisters of his cousins Maria, Jana, and Zeina, aged two to nine. The girls’ father has been detained by Israeli forces for over a year.
After the children were rescued from the rubble, they were left injured and alone.
Since the outbreak of the conflict in Gaza, over 14,500 children have reportedly perished, thousands more have been injured, and an estimated 17,000 have become unaccompanied or separated from their family members.
Some children are too young to even know their own names and remain unidentified.
Amidst ongoing bombings and mass displacements, UNICEF has managed to reunite just 63 children with their families. The story of the four Masri cousins exemplifies the broader issues faced by families in the region.
Kawther reflects on their reunion, stating, “While their return brings joy, it is clouded by sadness; they are back without their parents.”
UNICEF has only been able to reunite 63 children with their families throughout the conflict.
Initially, Kawther feared she had lost all her loved ones, but after praying, she learned that three of her grandchildren were still alive.
Recalling her desperation, she said, “I longed for them. I wished I could go fetch them myself, but I entrusted everything to God’s will.”
For over a year, Israel has divided Gaza along a military-controlled zone, creating challenges for humanitarian workers who attempt to navigate the affected areas.
After gathering the necessary documents, UNICEF meticulously coordinated the safe transfer of the Masri children.
As the children awaited medical treatment, they were temporarily cared for by distant relatives. UNICEF captured their emotional farewell as they embarked on a perilous journey in armored vehicles.
The journey from Gaza City to Deir al-Balah has become fraught with danger due to continuous conflict. UNICEF, however, remains dedicated to prioritizing family reunifications.
“The obstacles we face are numerous,” notes a UNICEF spokesperson. “We are dealing with highly vulnerable children who have suffered immense trauma.”
“These accounts of loss reflect deep mental and physical scars. Reuniting them with their families is vital,” she emphasized.
Kawther had not seen her grandchildren for 14 months prior to their reunion.
Facing an agonizing wait, Kawther anxiously anticipated her grandchildren’s arrival until she finally received a call from UNICEF. It had been 14 months since they had been together.
“I didn’t know who to embrace first,” she exclaimed. “I hugged Jana first, then Zeina, showering her with kisses.”
Her grandchildren used to call her “Kuko,” and Zeina, initially unable to speak, recognized the name as a symbol of safety and love.
This was just one of many stories of families torn apart by the recent conflict.
Following the October 7 Hamas attack that resulted in significant casualties, many families were forced to evacuate the northern parts of Gaza under the threat of invasion by Israeli forces.
Kawther and most of her family fled to Rafah, but her two sons and their families were unable to join them. In November, one son, Hamza, was arrested, with family members asserting they were farmers with no political involvement.
The ongoing conflict has seen thousands of Gazans detained by Israeli authorities, labeled as potential threats.
“We have endured great loss,” Kawther lamented. “We’ve lost our homes, land, and loved ones, all while being divided between the North and South.”
In the chaos, many families turn to organizations for assistance, but the processes are convoluted and frustrating. More than 8,300 cases have been reported to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), with only a fraction resolved.
“Families are left in uncertainty, unsure if their loved ones are alive, injured, or trapped,” said an ICRC official.
Medical personnel also play a crucial role in connecting patients with their missing relatives.
In a remarkable case, a newborn whose mother was killed during an airstrike was eventually united with her father.
Days after the Masri family reunited, local journalists visited them in the al-Mawasi camp, where they received essential supplies from UNICEF, amidst a dire humanitarian situation.
Despite the relief of having her grandchildren, Kawther is acutely aware of their ongoing struggles.
“They’re in shock,” she said. “We try to distract them, but their thoughts often drift back to the war.”
As night descends, the children express their fears of aerial strikes, seeking reassurance from their grandmother.
Kawther hopes fervently for peace and dreams of a restored life for her grandchildren, striving to prevent them from becoming part of a lost generation.
