Imagine sending your child out to fetch water, and moments later, they become a casualty in a senseless tragedy. That's the heart-wrenching reality for Heba al-Ghussain, whose nine-year-old son, Karam, and ten-year-old daughter, Lulu, were killed by an Israeli airstrike simply while trying to help their family.

On that fateful Sunday, the siblings stood innocently by the water distribution station, buckets in hand, when a bomb exploded, claiming the lives of six children and four adults, leaving 19 injured, mostly kids. The horrific blast was so severe that Heba was shielded from seeing her children’s disfigured bodies, with family members trying to spare her the agony of such a sight.

Known affectionately as Lulu, Lana was a beacon of joy and kindness, while Karam was not only academically gifted but wise beyond his years. His father, Ashraf, referred to him as “abu sharik” or “my partner” for his mature spirit. Yet, like any child, Karam had simple wishes, like owning a remote-controlled car—a wish that now haunts his mother, who regrets not fulfilling it before it was too late.

Life in Gaza under siege is perilous. Israel's blockade led to severe shortages of food and water, forcing families like the al-Ghussains to send their children to fetch these basic necessities. Even such routine tasks became deadly gambles. Over 800 people have died since May due to attacks near food distribution points, and the scarcity of clean water has been exacerbated by ongoing destruction of infrastructure.

Heba’s decision to send her children to the water station seemed like the safer option, yet the tragic irony of their deaths there has left her questioning everything. The situation in Gaza is dire, with malnutrition rampant and resources dwindling. Aid is critically insufficient, pushing families to the brink of despair.

When Ashraf arrived at the scene, he found only blood-stained remnants and despair. The reality hit him at the hospital, where his beloved children lay lifeless. The emotional and psychological devastation for the family is immeasurable, leaving them fearful of more losses.

The incident has sparked outrage, with Israel attributing the strike to a 'malfunction' in targeting. But for the al-Ghussain family and many others, such explanations fail to account for the loss of innocent lives and the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

As Heba and Ashraf mourn, they also face continued hardship, unable to properly nourish or care for their surviving children. The world watches, yet the suffering persists, with pleas for justice and aid going unanswered.