Gaza Bombing Kills Mother and Daughter in Rented Apartment

Maysa Abu Dawood and her daughter Mari were killed in a bombing that struck their rented apartment in the Al-Rimal neighborhood, west of Gaza City. The family had moved into the apartment after their home was destroyed during the war, according to Shadi Abu Dawood, a relative of the victims. Abu Dawood told Radio Al-Shams that the strike occurred around 1:30 AM, directly hitting the ground-floor apartment where Maysa and Mari were sleeping. The building, which had approximately five floors with four apartments each, sustained severe damage. The recovery of the bodies revealed extensive injuries and burns resulting from the bombing.

The family had lost their original home during the conflict, initially seeking refuge at the Latin Monastery in Gaza before being forced to rent other accommodations. Abu Dawood mentioned that the family was unaware of the other residents in the building, as it housed various families. He noted that a university academic and her elderly mother, who lived in an adjacent apartment, were also killed in the same attack. The family received no prior warning before the strike.

Maysa and Mari are the fifth family members lost during the war, and the family has been experiencing displacement and daily suffering since their home was destroyed. Despite opportunities to leave Gaza, the family members have refused, citing their deep connection to their land and homes. Abu Dawood emphasized that Christians in Gaza, like all residents, face harsh conditions including shortages of water and electricity, but their commitment to staying remains firm.

Clergy and priests are providing material and moral support to residents and monitoring families' situations, sharing in their daily hardships. Maysa and Mari were part of Gaza's Christian community, and a funeral prayer was held for them at the Church of Saint Porphyrius.