Mon Sep 16 15:12:03 UTC 2024: ## Gaza Mother Separated From Premature Triplets Amidst Israel-Hamas War
**East Jerusalem, October 2023** – Hanan al-Bayouk, a 26-year-old resident of Gaza, is facing a heartbreaking situation. She gave birth to premature triplets in east Jerusalem in August, but due to the ongoing Israel-Hamas war, she was forced to leave her babies behind.
Al-Bayouk traveled to Jerusalem for specialized medical care when her pregnancy became high-risk. Her daughters, Najwa, Nour, and Najmah, were born underweight and required intensive care. However, after their birth, al-Bayouk had to return to Gaza to avoid legal issues.
The outbreak of the Israel-Hamas war, which saw Hamas invade Israel, killing over 1,200 and kidnapping 251, further complicated the situation. Tightened security protocols prohibited residents of Gaza from entering Israel.
Despite her babies needing continued medical care, al-Bayouk was forced to leave them at Makassed Hospital in east Jerusalem, where they are being cared for by dedicated doctors and nurses. While the triplets are developing normally, the separation from their mother weighs heavily on everyone.
“The only thing that makes us sad is that they are far away from their mother,” said Dr. Hatem Khammash, director of neonatal intensive care at the hospital.
To maintain a connection, doctors and nurses communicate with al-Bayouk via WhatsApp, constantly repeating “Mama, Mama” to encourage the babies to focus on their mother’s image on the phone screen.
Al-Bayouk’s situation highlights the devastating human cost of the ongoing conflict. While the triplets are being cared for, the agonizing separation from their mother serves as a stark reminder of the war’s impact on families.
First Piper 