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 volunteer 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 intensified its air campaign in Gaza in recent days. Israeli strikes killed at least 52 people in the Gaza Strip 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 more people, health officials in the Palestinian territory have 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 bombardments that killed nine of a paediatrician’s 10 children within the international community.
Author: Lorenzo Tondo in Jerusalem