Gaza woman raises orphaned baby as surrogate grandmother

Gaza City Resident Cares for Orphaned Child After Tragic Loss

Maha al-Rubaie, a 56-year-old resident of Gaza City, has taken on the role of caregiver to her nephew, Hamza, who was orphaned in an Israeli bombing attack. The incident occurred on March 18, 2024, when Maha and her sister, Huriya, were preparing food for their Ramadan fast with Hamza’s mother, Diana. An Israeli bomb struck their five-storey home, killing Diana, Omar al-Rubaie, and their three children, as well as Omar’s brother, his wife, and two children.

Maha had previously raised Omar from the age of 15 after his father was killed in a previous Gaza war. Now, she is caring for Hamza, who lost both parents in the same attack. Maha describes Hamza’s first days with her as “beautiful” and notes that seeing him brought some comfort to their family during a difficult time.

Maha’s sister, Huriya, had been caring for Omar’s eight-year-old cousin after his sisters and parents were killed. After Diana’s death, the couple attempted to conceive again, and when they became pregnant with Hamza, they were overjoyed despite being in a state of intense grief. Tragically, Diana died shortly before giving birth, and an emergency caesarean section was performed.

Hamza was born on September 4, 2025, the same day his parents died. Maha and her sister received two death certificates for Hamza’s parents at the same time as a birth certificate for the newborn. After being transferred to another hospital for neonatal intensive care, Hamza began to improve, and he was eventually named after Omar’s favorite name.

Maha continues to care for Hamza, who is now living with her in a damp former classroom that serves as their home. Maha has described the experience of caring for Hamza as “sorrowful” but notes that seeing him brings some comfort to their family.

Source: Al Jazeera