The Gaza Strip, long scarred by conflict and loss, recently mourned one of its brightest young souls. Yaqeen Hammad, an 11-year-old girl from the city of Deir al-Balah, was among those killed during a series of Israeli airstrikes that ravaged central Gaza.
Her death has resonated across the world, not because of political headlines, but because of the joy and hope she represented in the face of relentless adversity. She was known as Gaza’s youngest influencer — a child who used her voice not to speak of hatred, but to teach, to inspire, and to uplift others enduring the same unimaginable hardships.
Her presence on social media was striking. While most children her age played and dreamed in peace, Yaqeen posted videos showing how to cook with limited resources, how to survive without electricity, and how to smile even when the skies thundered with bombs.
Her Instagram feed wasn’t just about life in Gaza — it was about making life livable in Gaza. She captured hearts with her gentle determination, always sharing a message of resilience and kindness. In one of her most touching posts, she wrote, “I try to bring a bit of joy to the other children so that they can forget the war.” That simple sentence encapsulated her mission.
A Beacon of Hope Amid Despair
Yaqeen Hammad was not an ordinary child. At just 11 years old, she had already taken on responsibilities and roles far beyond her age. Alongside her older brother Mohamed, she volunteered with the Ouena collective — a Gaza-based nonprofit organisation that delivers humanitarian aid to displaced families.
The siblings visited shelters and camps, often carrying food, toys, clothing, and smiles to children whose lives had been uprooted by war. Yaqeen wasn’t just a helper — she was a symbol of encouragement, moving from tent to tent, comforting children who had lost their homes, sometimes even their parents.
Her videos showed her dancing, smiling, handing out ice cream, and even praying with groups of children. She brought energy to the bleakest of settings, believing that if children could laugh together, they could forget the sound of drones, even if only for a moment.
In one of her final Instagram posts, she described how she had spent a day distributing new clothes to Gaza’s orphans, writing, “Today was a day of joy for Gaza’s orphans – we were giving them new clothes to bring a little happiness.” That sentence, written in innocence, now echoes in the hearts of her followers as a haunting memory of what Gaza has lost.
Read : Dr. Alaa al-Najjar Loses Nine of her Children in Israeli Airstrike on Family’s Home in Gaza
Despite the hardships around her, Yaqeen remained defiant in her optimism. She never let the destruction around her drown her spirit. And while many children withdrew in fear, she stepped forward, armed with nothing but kindness, humor, and the desire to help.
🇮🇱#Israel 🇵🇸#Palestine #Gaza
— Press infos 🛰️ (@EUFreeCitizen) May 27, 2025
METRO — Gaza's youngest influencer, Yaqeen Hammad, has died in an Israeli airstrike. The 11-year-old had made videos offering tips for surviving daily life in a conflict zone, such as how to cook when there was no gas pic.twitter.com/nmg2RNQHqm
Her videos were more than content — they were lifelines for others, a way for Gazan children to see themselves not only as victims, but as strong individuals capable of joy and hope. She taught others how to cook using solar heat, how to make toys out of debris, and how to keep going when everything seems lost.
A Tragic Death, a Global Grief
The airstrike that claimed Yaqeen’s life also destroyed much more than a building — it silenced a voice that had become a source of comfort for thousands. Her death, along with those of other civilians in the recent Israeli offensives, highlights the disproportionate toll the war is taking on children.
According to Gaza’s health ministry, over 16,500 children have been killed in Israeli airstrikes since the beginning of the conflict. And each name, each face, tells a unique story of a future cut short.
Yaqeen’s tragic end came during a weekend of intensified attacks. More than 100 Palestinians were killed, including 52 in a single day. One of the most devastating incidents included an airstrike on a school-turned-shelter, where people were sleeping when the strike ignited their belongings.
Among the casualties were children, women, and entire families. Yaqeen died in the same wave of attacks that reportedly killed nine of a pediatrician’s 10 children — a fact that has fueled international outrage and calls for accountability.
In the wake of Yaqeen’s death, tributes flooded in from across the world. Journalists, human rights advocates, and fellow influencers mourned the loss of a young girl who had become a moral compass in an increasingly desensitized world.
Mahmoud Bassam, a photojournalist based in Gaza, wrote: “Her body may be gone, but her impact remains a beacon of humanity.” Another follower said, “Instead of being at school and enjoying her childhood, she was active on Instagram and participating in campaigns to help others in Gaza. No words. Absolutely no words.”
The sorrow is universal, but so is the recognition of her courage. She was not a soldier, a politician, or a journalist. She was a child, yet she showed more leadership and compassion than most adults. Her efforts were simple, pure, and powerful. She didn’t seek fame — she sought smiles. And in doing so, she became a quiet force against despair.
The Voice That Echoes Beyond Rubble
Though her life ended too soon, Yaqeen’s message lives on. Her videos remain online, capturing a vibrant child navigating a world of shadows. They serve as both a heartbreaking reminder of what was lost and a testimony to what courage looks like.
In one of the videos, she beams at the camera as she hands out food parcels to families in need. In another, she playfully shows how to make a basic stove out of scrap metal. These aren’t just survival tips — they are snapshots of resistance, reminders that the human spirit can shine even in the darkest tunnels.
Her story also raises difficult questions about the cost of war on children. How many Yaqeens must the world lose before change comes? How long must children carry burdens that adults created? The international community has often debated these issues, but rarely with the urgency they demand. Yaqeen’s death has reignited conversations about the rules of engagement, the sanctity of civilian lives, and the moral boundaries that should never be crossed in any conflict.
As the dust settles in Deir al-Balah and the mourning continues, Gaza remembers not only a child, but a force of hope. Yaqeen’s story is no longer just Gaza’s story — it belongs to the world. Her smile, her laughter, and her dreams now rest in eternity, but the echoes of her voice continue to inspire those who believe in peace, justice, and the dignity of every child.
Yaqeen Hammad is gone, but the world must not forget her. Not just because of how she died, but because of how she lived. With joy. With love. With purpose. Even in war.