Arabic version: صحفي يُقتل بعد ساعات من ولادة ابنته في صراع غزة

Gaza City, Gaza Strip – May 7, 2026, was the day Amal Sobeih’s daughter, Sana, was born. It was also the day her husband, Yahya Sobeih, was killed in an Israeli airstrike. Yahya had rushed Amal to the hospital as she went into labor, filled with excitement for the arrival of their third child.

According to Al Jazeera, Yahya spent several hours with his wife and newborn, expressing joy and pride. He held Sana, recited the Islamic call to prayer in her ears, and took photos before stepping out briefly to check on their two older sons. Unfortunately, he did not return; he was killed just five hours after Sana’s birth while celebrating with family.

The airstrike targeted a commercial area in central Gaza City, resulting in the deaths of at least 17 people, including Yahya’s cousin, friend, and brother-in-law. Amal, still recovering from childbirth, faced the harrowing task of learning about her husband’s death through social media.

In the year since Yahya’s death, Amal has faced immense challenges, raising her three children alone while navigating ongoing conflict. She describes the past year as “the year of grief,” having already lost many family members in the war. Amal has taken on both parental roles and has begun working for the same media company as her late husband to honor his legacy.

Despite her sorrow, Amal chose to celebrate Sana’s first birthday, recognizing the significance of the day. She reflected on how she would explain her father’s absence to her daughter in the future, finding solace in Sana’s resemblance to Yahya. Despite the circumstances, Amal remains determined to provide strength and support for her children.