In Beit Jala Hospital, Hanan al-Qeeq sits next to her son Fadi’s hospital bed, her face filled with sorrow and tears always on the brink of falling. Her husband, Mazen, a Ministry of Education employee from Gaza, sits by her side as they keep vigil for their son’s treatment in the occupied West Bank.
The couple used to have seven children, but tragically, four of their children were killed during Israel’s war on Gaza. Hanan reminisces about each of her lost children with a heavy heart, showing pictures of them on her phone.
Their lives changed drastically when Fadi, their son, suffered a life-altering accident that left him quadriplegic. As they searched for treatment, the war in Gaza escalated, leading to more fear and loss for the family.
Throughout the turmoil, Hanan and Mazen found refuge in the support of the Bethlehem community, who provided them with a home while Fadi received medical care. Despite the safety and care they found in Bethlehem, the pain of their lost children and the ongoing turmoil in Gaza weigh heavily on their hearts.
The devastating news of their remaining children’s deaths in an Israeli attack left Hanan reeling, desperately searching for answers before finally receiving the heartbreaking confirmation. The loss of all her children, along with other relatives, has left Hanan with a profound sense of grief and loss.
Now, Hanan grapples with the reality of her shattered family and the uncertainty of the future. Gaza, once their home, now holds only painful memories and lost loved ones. Hanan finds herself adrift in a sea of sorrow, unsure of where to turn next in the wake of such immense loss.