Israeli sniper kills grandmother fleeing with grandson and white flag
Gaza (Quds News Network) – Hala Rashid Abd al-Ati, a Palestinian grandmother, lost her life to an Israeli sniper back in November as she attempted to flee Gaza City with her grandson, who was holding a white flag, in a desperate bid for safety.
Footage obtained by the Middle East Eye captures the chilling moment of the incident.
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Abd al-Ati, along with other Palestinians, navigated the perilous journey out of the al-Rimal neighborhood on November 12. The footage suggests that as they reached al-Wihda Street, a single bullet fired by an Israeli soldier ended Abd al-Ati’s life.
The observer recording the footage from a nearby building voiced the horror of the moment, stating, “The woman got shot. The bastards (Israeli troops) shot the woman.”
The video captured a Palestinian man rushing to Abd al-Ati’s aid as her grandson sought refuge among passersby.
Surviving family members, now scattered across war-torn Gaza, revealed that the decision to take that particular route came after multiple liaisons with the Red Cross.
Sarah Bassem Khres, Abd al-Ati’s daughter, recounted the family’s ordeal, besieged by Israeli forces a day before fleeing their home. Despite calls to the Red Cross for evacuation, the family faced increasing danger, prompting a difficult decision to leave.
Morning of tragedy
On the morning of the fatal incident, the family gathered for prayer amidst the sounds of Israeli bombs. Abd al-Ati, in a poignant moment, prepared breakfast as the family read the Quran before setting out.
Heba, Abd al-Ati’s sister, highlighted the family’s uncertainty, carrying bags of bread and olive oil. The killing not only separated Heba and her husband from their son Taim but added immeasurable agony to their suffering.
“The instructions we were given were based on information from the Red Cross. We were told there would be a safe corridor to the south of Gaza. My mother was carrying my son Taim,” she said.
“I was at the exit of our home waiting for my husband when I heard the sound of live fire and the screams of my sister and cousin. They kept shouting ‘go back and go back,’ then I saw my mother’s lifeless body.
“My brother Mohammed, who is 22, risked his life to go and pick up my mother’s body from the street and bring her back home.”
Desperate search and family separation
Yousef, Heba’s husband, described the chaotic scene as he went out to look for Taim, only to find his mother-in-law dead inside, and Taim missing. The aftermath led to Taim being taken to Rafah, with an uncertain reunion with his parents.
As they ventured out, urged by neighbors and following Red Cross instructions, the family faced gunfire and warplanes. Tragically, Abd al-Ati fell in the middle of the road, holding her grandson, Taim, who dropped to the ground at her death.
Despite inquiries, the Israeli army has not responded to questions regarding the killing. A published photo on the same day shows tanks and snipers stationed near the incident. Attempts to get a response from the Red Cross were unsuccessful.
The family expressed gratitude for being able to bury Abd al-Ati close to their home, acknowledging the dire conditions in Gaza. Decomposing bodies on the streets, vulnerable to military vehicles and stray dogs, highlight the harsh realities faced by the besieged population.
