The story is about Sara Khreis, who recalls the last day she spent with her mother. The family had to decide whether to leave as Israeli troops entered Gaza City’s al-Rimal neighborhood, amidst heavy bombardment and the sound of bombs and gunfire.
On November 12, the family decided to flee, and they were joined by several relatives and neighbors. Sara’s 57-year-old mother, Hala, was cooking breakfast amid the chaos of packing and praying, when their neighbors yelled about an evacuation route being organized.
Sara and her mother, Hala, had a brief argument outside, and then they joined others outside, all holding white flags, a sign of surrender. Hala and her grandson, Tayem, 4, were walking together, when a shot rang out, and Hala was shot dead.
The video of Hala’s killing has emerged as one of several incidents where civilians holding white flags were shot dead in Gaza. CNN has tried to discuss the matter with the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), but they have not responded.
The family stated that despite an understanding for safe passage, Hala was shot by Israeli forces. The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) clarified that it was not part of organizing any evacuation routes.
The months before the war were joyous for Hala and her family, with a new home and plans for Sara’s wedding. However, the war changed their lives completely.
The family had to make the difficult decision to leave amidst relentless fighting. Eventually, when they decided to flee, there was uncertainty about which direction to take, with Israeli forces surrounding the neighborhood. Hala was shot as she walked, and her son, Mohammad, tried to rescue her but was unable to due to the presence of Israeli tanks.
Hala’s grandson, Tayem, went missing briefly, adding to the family’s distress. Unfortunately, Hala died, and the family is still waiting to be reunited with Tayem. They hope to give Hala a proper burial and are calling for an investigation into her killing.
The family describes their loss as a nightmare, still hoping for a message from Hala. They want to share with the world who Hala was: a devoted grandmother.
