The first night of Ramadan, a time of joy and reflection, turned to tragedy for the Abu Shamala family in Gaza City. As they gathered to celebrate, an Israeli missile struck their home, shattering their lives. Mufid Abu Shamala and his son Islam survived, but 14 family members, including children, were martyred in the attack.

The family had spent the evening in prayer and laughter, cherishing traditions like preparing Suhoor together. But by dawn, their home lay in ruins, a symbol of the indiscriminate brutality of war. Despite their grief, Islam and Mufid found strength in faith, vowing to honour their loved ones by resisting oppression.

Their story is a stark reminder of the human cost of conflict in Gaza, where families endure unimaginable loss yet cling to hope and resilience. That Ramadan night, once filled with joy, now stands as a testament to their enduring spirit.