In a story of extraordinary survival, 16-year-old Reem Hossam Al-Bali emerged from the rubble of her family’s home in Beit Lahia, northern Gaza, after being trapped for four days following an Israeli airstrike. Reem had been presumed dead, along with her entire family, when their home in the Fadous neighbourhood was destroyed last Thursday. The attack, part of the ongoing Israeli military campaign, had initially claimed the lives of all 13 family members, or so it was believed.

Despite extensive search efforts, Reem's body was not recovered, and her death was declared official. Condolences flooded in as relatives and friends mourned the loss, and hopes of finding her alive were dashed. However, in an unexpected turn of events, Reem was spotted on Monday, walking alone through the streets, barely able to stand after enduring four days under the debris without food or water. Her face was covered in dust, her body battered, and her eyes bleeding, but she was alive.

Locals who witnessed her miraculous return were in disbelief, describing her survival as nothing short of a miracle. One person said, “Reem came back to life and reignited hope in everyone’s hearts after days of deep sorrow.”

Reem was immediately taken to the Indonesian Hospital for urgent medical care. While her physical condition was critical, her survival brought a rare spark of hope to a region that has been suffering under relentless airstrikes and bombings.

Since March 18, the death toll in Gaza has risen to over 1,000, with thousands more injured. The total number of casualties since the Israeli aggression began in October 2023 stands at over 50,000 martyrs, with more than 114,000 wounded, according to Gaza’s Ministry of Health.

Reem’s survival is a testament to the resilience of Gaza’s people, but it also highlights the ongoing tragedy they endure, with daily bombings and the continuous destruction of civilian lives and homes. Her story, though inspiring, is another reminder of the devastating toll the conflict continues to take on the people of Gaza.