Last weekend, 14-year-old Muhannad Eid met a horrifying end. He was killed as he risked his life to collect bread for his starving family in the besieged Gaza Strip. The tragedy unfolded when a pallet of aid fell on him during chaotic airdrops aimed at delivering much-needed supplies amidst ongoing violence. His death is a tragic reminder of the unfolding humanitarian catastrophe throughout the region. His name joins the other too-often-[deleted] names that made up this excessive “bloody night” of Israeli bombardments.
Muhannad’s parents, Nai’ila and Zakaria Eid, are now living with that loss, beyond what a parent could ever envision. They dreamed of their son returning with even just a can of sardines or a bottle of sauce. So finding something to eat has become more challenging than ever for them in the times of shortages. The emotional toll on the family is profound, with Nai’ila expressing her devastation over her son’s death.
Family’s Grief and Despair
Here’s what Muhannad’s mother, Nai’ila Eid, had to say about how she feels after the heartbreaking murder of her son. She referred to him as “my sweetheart, the love of my life,” showcasing the profoundness of their connection. The family had experienced terrible trauma, and the lengths Muhannad went to just to keep them alive showed what an amazing person he was.
“He is gone, and there is no point in my life. Now I am waiting to die,” – Nai’ila Eid
The family, heartbroken, is now forced to deal with their grief without their wonderful son. Zakaria Eid recalled how Muhannad had talked happily about eventually discovering food. “The food is scarce. He said that he would get something, a can of sardines or sauce,” he recalled. Her heartbreaking account transports the viewer to the harrowing reality with which families in Gaza are forced to contend.
Humanitarian Crisis Deepens
The case of Muhannad Eid is not an outlier. His death took place amid a backdrop of a rapidly escalating situation in Gaza. In the last week of clashes, recent bombardments have killed at least 120 Palestinians. Despite this, the humanitarian picture is rapidly deteriorating. According to UNICEF, reports continue to highlight that eight other individuals including children died as a result of starvation and malnutrition.
In her testimony, Zakaria Eid called out the current approach to delivering aid. He fumed at the dehumanizing tendency that he believes is too common.
“The aid that is dropped from the air, it’s not human. It’s like they’re throwing food to dogs or wild animals in the jungle,” – Zakaria Eid
This sentiment resonates with many who are witnessing the dire consequences of the ongoing conflict and the inadequacy of humanitarian assistance.
Ongoing Conflict and Its Consequences
Israeli bombardments on the Gaza enclave reached unprecedented levels in the recent weeks, encircling the land strip with an escalating wave of destruction, desolation and human suffering. Local resident Issam Abu Ajwa spoke to us about how recent nights have been the worst.
“Last night was a bloody night,” – Issam Abu Ajwa
In the wake of tragedy, there is political discussion about the strikingly similar situation. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu directly addressed the issue of humanitarian crisis. He challenged those in the audience who claimed to care about Palestinians to open their gates and stop teaching master’s classes on the war.
“They’re not being pushed out, they’ll be allowed to exit,” – Benjamin Netanyahu
As the situation continues to unfold, families like that of Muhannad Eid face an uphill battle against grief and despair. As violence continues and humanitarian assistance falls short, their pain deepens. This glaring reality highlights the imperative for a speedy resolution to this conflict.
