Image source, Ahmed al-Naouq Image caption, Ahmed al-Naouq took this household selfie 4 years ago – most of the kids in the image are now dead By Stephanie Hegarty Population reporter, BBC World Service Whole households haveactually been cleaned out in Israel’s air strikes on the largely inhabited streets of Gaza, where lotsof Palestinians live in multi-generational homes. Three Palestinians in the UK informed the BBC that more than 20 of their familymembers hadactually been eliminated in one blow – and numerous were still stuck under the debris. It was simply another lazy, warm Friday afternoon 4 years ago when Ahmed al-Naouq snapped this selfie with his household. But he keepsinmind it well, particularly now. Under the shade of olive trees by his dad’s home, his sis and bros got together with their kids to consume, play and chat. Taking a break from running around, the kids were prepared to consume when Ahmed caught them together. Now, most of them are dead, he states. They were eliminated in an air strike which struck the household home on 22 October. In overall, 21 individuals were eliminated consistingof his daddy, 3 siblings, 2 bros and 14 of their kids. More than 11,000 Palestinians haveactually been eliminated in the Israeli barrage, according to Gaza’s Hamas-run health ministry. The air strikes started after the 7 October attack by Hamas, in which Israel states about 1,200 individuals were eliminated and more than 200 taken captive. Israel states its technique in Gaza hasactually been to root out Hamas which it implicates of operating in the heart of civilian neighborhoods – and that it takes steps to reduce civilian casualties. In Ahmed’s picture, just 7 of the kids who were eliminated appear. Some weren’t there that day, some weren’t even born. Like numerous Palestinians, Ahmed’s siblings developed their household homes above their dad’s – a custom which implies generations are being cleaned out in one fell swoop. Image source, al-Naouq household Image caption, Ahmed, who moved to London to work with an NGO, last saw household members, such as his nephew Abdullah, in 2019 His sibling Aya hadactually gone there to take shelter with her kids after her own home was harmed by an air strike. His other sis, Walaa and Alaa, were there too with their kids. The home was in the centre of Gaza in the town of Deir al-Balah, an location that had neverever been targeted inthepast. They idea it was safe. “I idea it’s a frightening time for them however they will be OKAY,” Ahmed states, shocked now by his naivety. Ahmed moved to London 4 years ago to work for an NGO and hasn’t been home because. The last time he saw the kids together was by video call. He hadactually been provided a benefit and, as part of a household custom, he assured his nieces and nephews a reward. “They all stated that they desire to go to the beach and lease a chalet and have food and dance together and takepleasurein,” he states. So, he workedwith one and purchased them supper and treats. Image source, Al Naouq household Image caption, Abdullah was 6 when he was eliminated The kids called him from the beach that day, combating over the phone to talk. So numerous of them are dead now that Ahmed stumbles as he keepsinmind the names and ages of each one. His 13-year-old nephew Eslam was the oldest and the one he understood finest. Ahmed was a teen and living at home when Eslam was born. His mum looked after the child while his sis was at work, so Ahmed typically assisted to feed and modification him. As Eslam grew older, he stated desired
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