In specific locations and times, the mere act of survival is an achievement for a young boy – a feat to be proud of, especially when his daily mission involves securing food essential for his family’s sustenance.
Every morning, 11-year-old Mohammed Zo’rab embarks on a mission in the southern Gaza city of Rafah. Armed with a large plastic bowl, he visits schools transformed into refugee centers and makeshift camps along the roadside, where individuals endure hardships similar to his family’s but may still have something to offer to a child in need.
Mohammed extends his journey to hospitals, where the wounded arrive at any given hour, and to any place where there might be a pot simmering over an open fire.
“I bring joy to my family when I return home with this meal, and we enjoy it together,” he shares. “However, there are times when I come back empty-handed, and it brings a sense of sadness.”
Mohammed, the eldest among four siblings, resides with his parents and brothers in a fragile shelter constructed from plastic and tarpaulin.
His father, Khaled, wanders through Rafah in search of odd jobs to gather five shekels (approximately $1.38; £1.08) to purchase diapers for their two-month-old daughter, Howaida.
Mohammed represents a vast number of children thrust into the role of primary food providers for their families.
“When the queue is long, and nearly 100 people stand ahead of me, I skillfully navigate through the crowd,” he shares, expressing pride in his ability to maneuver without engaging in conflicts.
Upon returning home, he presents a bowl of baked beans to his mother, Samar, who then distributes the food among the other children. Samar, appearing emaciated, consumes very little herself.
“I have bone cancer,” she discloses. “At 31, I look like I’m 60. Walking is a challenge for me. The fatigue sets in quickly, my entire body aches, and I require both treatment and proper nutrition.”
Similar to many others, Samar and her family relocated from their home further north in Khan Younis to Rafah based on the assurance from the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) that it would be a safe haven. This decision was made three months ago.
However, in the subsequent months, the conflict has encroached steadily closer to Rafah. A tragic event unfolded less than a fortnight ago when Israel launched a raid to rescue two hostages held by Hamas, resulting in the loss of more than 70 lives.
