A Palestinian woman conceived through IVF has died after an attack in al-Maqassi refugee camp in central Gaza.
Shahid Ovtellah. Photo courtesy of CNN.
Born through IVF in Al-Maqassi refugee camp in central Gaza on November 4, 2013, Shahid Owtallah's relatives consider her a miracle. Her parents waited for more than 20 years to conceive.
But her life was cut short on Tuesday, when a 10-year-old Palestinian girl was killed in an airstrike on the camp, relatives told CNN. At least 14 people, including eight children, were killed in the targeted attack, according to officials at the local Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said it was an airstrike and was under review.
For her family, Shahad was a big dream and everyone clung to her until she grew up and went to school,” her relatives said. “She loved to play and read a lot…everyone loved her.”
CNN footage recorded at Al-Aqsa hospital after Tuesday's attack showed parents cradling the lifeless bodies of children, their eyes red and swollen with disbelief. The other children look disgusted. Screams pierce the walls of the hospital.
Palestinian children injured in an attack on Makassi refugee camp in Deir al-Bala, Gaza, on April 16, are brought to Al Aqsa Martyrs Hospital. CNN has blurred this image to protect identities. Ashraf Amra/Anatolu/Getty Images
Parents told CNN their children were playing foosball when the camp was attacked.
“They were playing when a drone attack hit them,” said Jaber Abu Zayyab, father of 9-year-old Lujain. “They are all children.” The Ministry of Health reported on April 18 that more than 13,900 children were killed in Israeli attacks on Gaza.
In another hospital scene, Mohammed Alnouri, 14, a teenager, cries out over the body of his younger brother Mahmoud Khalil Alnouri, 8, wrapped in a white sheet. “He's still alive,” laments Muhammad. “Don't leave him here.”
“Dear God. What have they done?” says a weeping man. “What have they done?”
CNN's Jennifer Hauser and Ibrahim Tahman contributed reporting.
