Ghada Sobhi Sadi Ayyad

Location Gaza

11-year-old Ghada from Al Shujai’a suburb in Gaza, was the youngest child of her siblings. She was a spoiled and very energetic child. She loved drawing, studying, and playing with her toys. She dreamed of the day when she would grow up and become a woman, so she could buy a beautiful dress, visit hairdressers, and use makeup.  

On 20 July 2014, the Israeli shelling intensified in Al Shujai’a and the Ayyad family attempted to flee. While seeking shelter, they were directly struck by Israeli shells. Many civilians were killed in the shelling, including Ghada and her mother. “I lost my father before I lost my mother and brothers. I am still injured from the shrapnel fragments in my body. I lost one academic year because I had to stay in the hospital for a long time. For now, I have to travel abroad soon to get better medical care,” said her sister Deyana, 17.