Latest news with #Yaqeen
Arabian Post
4 days ago
- Politics
- Arabian Post
Israeli Genocide In Gaza Is A Reminder Of Atrocities Perpetrated By Nazis On Jews
By P. Sudhir Yaqeen Hammad, a 12-year-old Palestinian girl, was shredded into pieces by an Israeli missile attack on her residence. Yaqeen has been aptly called the Anne Frank of Gaza. Like Anne, who kept a diary in an attic in a Holocaust-ravaged, Nazi-occupied neighbourhood, Yaqeen documented the horrors around her. Her diaries – digital this time – became a record of the brutalities faced by her people. Ironically, the present-day Israeli Zionists, who invoke the Holocaust to justify their moral rationale for the State of Israel and recount their suffering, are now adopting similar oppressive attitudes. Yaqeen moved from one refugee camp to another, shot videos, and posted them on Instagram, bringing global attention to the gruesome realities in Gaza. More than a media activist, she was also involved in humanitarian aid, helping thousands of hapless Palestinians in war-ravaged Gaza. The phrase 'live-streamed genocide' has gained currency – coined by Amnesty International – thanks to brave social media activists like Yaqeen. The targeting of children in Gaza is not accidental; it is the outcome of a sinister ideology that labels even innocent children as collaborators of Hamas. This notion is deeply ingrained in the hysteria whipped up by Zionist politicians. Moshe Feiglin, a close associate of the Netanyahu government, even stated emphatically: 'Every baby in Gaza is an enemy.' The depravity of such statements is unprecedented. Some extremists have gone so far as to support wiping out all such children as a military objective. The latest Israeli plan reportedly involves deploying reinforced army units to capture and 'clean out' Gaza's 365 square kilometres – 70 per cent of which has already been turned into 'no-go zones' for Palestinians. Most of Gaza's population could be pushed to Rafah, the southernmost city, which has itself been virtually razed. Cities like Khan Younis and Deir al-Balah are now synonymous with daily destruction. Perhaps the most disturbing element of the Israeli plan is the forced relocation of Palestinians into Israeli-controlled zones, ironically termed 'humanitarian zones.' There, ration packets are distributed by private security contractors tied to Israeli-vetted aid organisations. Aid has been politicised and militarized – used as a tool for coercion. This design enables a protracted occupation, with Palestinians confined to increasingly smaller areas and Israel controlling all access to necessities. Reportedly, Donald Trump even involved himself personally in setting up an aid organisation outside UN oversight to carry out this militarised aid programme. Netanyahu's cabinet has code-named the military mission 'Gideon's Chariots.' Whether it is truly intended to pressure Hamas into releasing hostages or simply a cover for collective punishment is clear from the scale of destruction. However, the intensity of the military operation has forced some changes in western leadership's tone. In a joint statement, the UK, France, and Canada condemned the humanitarian crisis, calling it 'intolerable.' They questioned the inadequacy of the food aid plan and said: 'We condemn the abhorrent language recently used by Israeli government officials. Permanent forced displacement is a breach of international humanitarian law.' While initially supporting Israel's right to self-defense after Hamas' October 7 attack, they now strongly oppose the expansion of military operations in Gaza. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated: 'Humanitarian aid must never be politicised,' emphasizing that the only viable resolution is a two-State solution. Yet, in the absence of US pressure – especially with Donald Trump's silence – it is uncertain whether Netanyahu will heed this advice. Francesca Albanese, the UN's Special Rapporteur on human rights in the occupied Palestinian territories, was forthright: 'Most member states remain inactive at best or are actively aiding and abetting Israel's criminal conduct.' She referred particularly to western and some Gulf nations. She also warned that Israel risks becoming a pariah state, given its relentless assault not only on Palestinians but also on the United Nations. It is clear that this tragedy stems from the complicity – wilful or not – of nations that backed the 1948 UN plan creating Israel. The Zionist ideology of ethnic cleansing was evident from the outset. Jewish historian Ilan Pappé, whose family suffered during the Holocaust, detailed these intentions in his book The Ethnic Cleansing of Palestine, beginning with the 1948 Nakba. This design is now unfolding – with Donald Trump's grandiose plan to turn Gaza into a tourist riviera adding insult to injury. We must understand why Israel is pursuing this hysterical campaign in Gaza post–October 7. Regardless of Hamas' military capacity, their actions challenged the myth of Israel's security invincibility. This campaign could not have proceeded without active western complicity – especially from the US. Without a civilized State-to-State relationship between Israelis and Palestinians, military might can never secure lasting peace. What we have witnessed in India is also unprecedented. Historically, Indian leadership – from Gandhi to Nehru – unambiguously supported the Palestinian cause. There was a national consensus. However, the rise of Hindutva forces has changed this completely. Hindutva and Zionism share a common ideology: religious identity-based nationhood morphing the very nature of the State. They are ideological soulmates. From the early days of the RSS, its leaders admired Zionist ideology. Contemporary Hindutva, fuelled by Islamophobia, is now supporting Israel's campaign of destruction. This alliance seeks to redefine the conflict – not as one for Palestinian liberation, but as a religious war between Jews and Muslim Palestinians. This narrative is bolstered by growing military and security partnerships between Modi's India and Netanyahu's Israel. The task ahead is clear: international solidarity with Palestine is growing. Signs of shifting western response suggest that in the 21st century, Gaza has become an existential test for modern civilization. Indian people must mobilise and pressure the Modi government to denounce Israel's intolerable actions. The responsibility rests with us all. (IPA Service)
Yahoo
6 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Gaza's youngest influencer aged 11 among children killed by Israeli strikes
Her life was one of war but Yaqeen Hammad somehow found a reason to smile. The 11-year-old was Gaza's youngest influencer, whose bright smile reached tens of thousands, including other children, while she offered practical survival tips for daily life under bombardment, such as advice on how to cook with improvised methods when there was no gas. In one social media post, Yaqeen wrote: 'I try to bring a bit of joy to the other children so that they can forget the war.' On Friday night, she was killed after a series of heavy Israeli airstrikes hit the house where she lived with her family, in Al-Baraka area of Deir al-Bala, in central Gaza. Her body, torn apart by the bombing, was recovered from beneath the rubble. When news of Yaqeen's death spread online on Monday, there was an outpouring of messages of grief and tributes from activists, followers and journalists. 'Instead of being at school and enjoying her childhood,' one of her followers wrote on X, 'she was active on Instagram and participating in campaigns to help others in Gaza. No words. Absolutely no words.' Mahmoud Bassam, a photojournalist in Gaza, said: 'Her body may be gone, but her impact remains a beacon of humanity.' Yaqeen and her older brother, Mohamed Hammad, delivered food, toys and clothing to displaced families, Al Jazeera has reported. She played an active role in the Ouena collective, a Gaza-based non-profit organisation dedicated to humanitarian relief. Yaqeen and Mohamed, a humanitarian worker, often visited camps and makeshift shelters for displaced families. In each place they went, she tried to spread cheer and comfort to the children. Hani Abu Rizq, a journalist and colleague of Yaqeen's in the Ouena collective, described her work as 'truly beautiful'. 'She had an entrepreneurial spirit and was always the first to do good. She loved helping others and bringing joy to children in displacement camps. She had a special touch, spreading hope and optimism among people despite the difficult circumstances,' he said. 'Her videos on social media received a great response from people because they were sincere and heartfelt. They conveyed the reality of Palestinian children in Gaza, who are suffering from all kinds of Israeli violations in this genocide that we have been subjected to for nearly two years.' In one of her final posts, she wrote: 'Today was a day of joy for Gaza's orphans – we were giving them new clothes to bring a little happiness.' She refused to give in to the war, dancing, smiling and handing out ice-creams and praying with other children.. In a post on Instagram on 15 May, she told her 103,000 followers: ''Despite the war and the genocide, we came today to make the children happy.'' 'Is there anything more beautiful than the smile of Gaza children,'' she wrote under the video. On 29 April, Yaqeen gave her followers some tips on how to cook with improvised methods when there was no gas. ''Did they cut off the gas? We made gas. We put wood here and a stove to let air in and make the fire burn more. We cook everything on it. Gaza: no to the impossible,'' she wrote. On 15 March, holding a bouquet of flowers, Yaqeen stepped into the tent where her brother was living and sang him Happy Birthday. ''Despite the pain and shock of Yaqeen's killing, this is the true face of the occupation,' Rizq said. 'Israel has killed a very large number of children during this genocide.' The Palestinian photojournalist Amr Tabash wrote on Instagram, alongside a clip featuring glimpses of Yaqeen working on humanitarian projects: 'Yaqeen was martyred, yet certainty remains in our hearts that the children of Gaza are the heartbeat of humanity and a reflection of global silence.' Mohamad al-Kadri, a volunteer with Muslim Doctors for Humanity, said: 'She was a child who carried in her heart a love for doing good, a spirit of initiative, and dedicated her young energy to planting hope in the hearts of those around her.' The Guardian has contacted the Israeli military for comment. Israel has intensified its air campaign in Gaza in recent days. Its airstrikes killed at least 52 people on Monday, including 31 in a school turned shelter that was struck as people slept, igniting their belongings, according to local health officials. On Sunday, Israeli attacks killed at least 38 people, health officials said, bringing the death toll to more than 100 over the weekend. Yaqeen died during the same series of strikes across the territory that killed nine of a paediatrician's 10 children, sparking international outrage. The Gaza health ministry says nearly 54,000 Palestinians, including 16,503 children, have been killed in Israeli attacks across the territory. On Thursday, health officials in the territory released a detailed breakdown of the numbers of children killed since Israel began its offensive in 2023 after the 7 October attacks by Hamas. According to their new data, 916 infants under one year old have been killed; 4,365 of those killed were between one and five years old; 6,101 were between six and 12 years old, and 5,124 were between 13 and 17.
Hindustan Times
6 days ago
- Hindustan Times
Who is Yaqeen Hammad? Gaza's ‘youngest influencer' reportedly killed by Israeli airstrike
Eleven-year-old Yaqeen Hammad, Gaza's 'youngest influencer', has been killed in an Israeli airstrike, among a dozen others, per The Guardian. The 11-year-old influencer's home in central Gaza was reportedly reduced to rubble in a recent wave of heavy airstrikes. The Guardian reported that the rescue workers later recovered her body from beneath the debris. Yaqeen had become widely known for sharing survival tips from within the war zone. 'I try to bring a bit of joy to the other children so that they can forget the war,' she said in one of her Instagram posts. {This is a developing story. Please stay tuned with us for the latest updates.}
Metro
6 days ago
- Metro
Israel kills Gaza's 'youngest influencer', 11, in airstrike
An 11-year-old child who became known as Gaza's 'youngest influencer' was killed in an Israeli airstrike this weekend. Yaqeen Hammad, who had 106,000 followers on her Instagram, was killed Friday night alongside dozens of other children in Deir al-Balah, a Palestinian city in the central Gaza Strip. Local press reported that emergency crews called the scene of the strike 'indescribably painful'. Yaqeen became popular for her volunteering efforts and her infectious positivity. She and her older brother, Mohamed Hammad, often worked together to deliver food, toys, and clothing to families in the destroyed enclave. The young girl often shared what she was up to online and gave advice on how to handle daily life while under bombardment. Yaqeen and Mohamed, a humanitarian worker, regularly visited camps and makeshift shelters to spread cheer and comfort other children. In a video shared three weeks ago, Yaqeen was seen handing out ice cream to younger children. Her death has shocked the world. British writer and politician Kamel Hawwash expressed his heartbreak towards the loss of Yaqeen. He said: 'Israel killed this beautiful child Yaqeen Hammad in its terrorist operation today in Deir al-Balah, among others. She did some great humanitarian work supporting others.' Yaqueen's final post online was shared on May 16. In it, she, Mohamed and other workers handed out fruit to adults and children. Yaqeen's followers have shared their heartbreak over her passing. One wrote: 'I can't imagine Gaza without you. May your soul rest in peace, sweetheart. Heaven is more beautiful.' More Trending 'My beautiful, big smile, kind little soul. Surely, we count you among the martyrs and friends. May your soul rest in peace,' another added. Since Israel launched their 'military campaign' in Gaza in response to Hamas' cross-border attack on October 7, 2023, which killed over 1,000, at least 53,977 people have been killed in Gaza. In the last ten weeks, an additional 3,822 have been killed in Palestine. Israel has intensified its air campaign in Gaza in recent days. Yesterday, at least 52 people were killed, including 31 in a school turned shelter that was struck as people slept, sparking a major fire which killed many inside. Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@ For more stories like this, check our news page. MORE: Gazan doctor receives the charred remains of nine of her 10 children after Israeli bombing MORE: A mum in Gaza told me her children are waiting to die MORE: Everything we know so far about Washington DC shooting suspect Elias Rodriguez
Irish Examiner
6 days ago
- Irish Examiner
Gaza's youngest influencer, 11, among children killed by Israeli strikes
Eleven-year-old Yaqeen Hammad, Gaza's youngest influencer, is among the dozens of children killed by Israel in recent strikes, as its forces intensify their military offensive across the Palestinian territory. Known for her bright smile and volunteering efforts, Yaqeen was killed on Friday night after Israeli forces shelled the al-Baraka area of Deir al-Balah in northern Gaza, amid intense fighting in the region. Yaqeen and her older brother, Mohamed Hammad, delivered food, toys and clothing to displaced families, Al Jazeera has reported. She was also Gaza's youngest influencer, offering practical survival tips for daily life under bombardment, such as advice on how to cook with improvised methods when there was no gas. In one social media post, Yaqeen wrote: 'I try to bring a bit of joy to the other children so that they can forget the war.' She played an active role in the Ouena collective, a Gaza-based non-profit organisation dedicated to humanitarian relief. She often accompanied her older brother, Mohamed, a humanitarian worker, and together they distributed aid – food, toys and clothing. They often visited camps and makeshift shelters for displaced families. In each place they went, she tried to spread cheer and comfort to the children. She refused to give in to the war, dancing, smiling and handing out ice-creams and praying with other children. When news of her death spread online, there was an outpouring of messages of grief and tributes from activists, followers and journalists. Mahmoud Bassam, a photojournalist in Gaza, said: 'Her body may be gone, but her impact remains a beacon of humanity.' 'Instead of being at school and enjoying her childhood, another tribute read on X, she was active on Instagram and participating in campaigns to help others in Gaza. No words. Absolutely no words.' Israel has intensified its air campaign in Gaza in recent days. Its airstrikes killed at least 52 people on Monday, including 31 in a school turned shelter that was struck as people slept, igniting their belongings, according to local health officials. On Sunday, Israeli attacks killed at least 38 people, health officials said, bringing the death toll to more than 100 over the weekend. Yaqeen died during the same series of strikes across the territory that killed nine of a paediatrician's 10 children sparking outrage within the international community. Read More Occupied Territories Bill: Ireland set to become first EU country to curb trade with Israel
