The tragic story of Sidra Hassouna has stirred a wave of sorrow and outrage among social media users, who have taken to various platforms to share and discuss the disturbing details of her demise with her photo and video viral
Reports indicate that the 12-year-old was found dead, hanging by a fence, in the midst of the ongoing Gaza-Israel conflict. The news coincides with claims of a potential ground offensive by Israel in Rafah, intensifying the already dire situation.
Who is Sidra Hassouna as video and photo of her body goes viral after she’s killed in Rafah Gaza Palestine attack by Israel
🇵🇸🇮🇱 With every passing day, Israel reveal more and more of their true colours.
This woman's daughter and Sidra Hassouna wore the same sweater.
"One was born in the 'right place', the other one, arbitrarily, was born in the 'wrong place'"
RIP Sidra Hassouna 💔🕊️ pic.twitter.com/0PuEE4Jj1W
— Censored Men (@CensoredMen) February 14, 2024
Social Media User Recounts Horrifying Scene in TikTok Video
One user, @abierkhatib, joined many others in spreading awareness by sharing a TikTok video posted by @nuggets_on_a_roof. In the video, the user emotionally recounts the horrifying scene, describing Sidra Hassouna pinned to a wall, hanging with her limbs severed.
La petite fille sur cette vidéo et cette photo s'appelait Sidra Hassouna il y a 12h qui sépare la vidéo de la photo.
Sidra avait 12 ans elle et toute sa famille ont été massacrés à #Rafah 🇵🇸 par le terrorisme #sioniste , elle a été retrouvée pendu a un mur les jambes… pic.twitter.com/N5b7wZpIye
— Boban Driçlek (@tintouche92i) February 14, 2024
The user heard saying in the video that “Her name is Sidra Hassouna. Sidra Hassouna’s body is forever seared into my brain. For any of you who don’t know what the f**k I am talking about, I am talking about the child yesterday that was pinned to the wall, hanging from the wall, with her limbs cut off.”
The narrator condemns the dehumanization of Palestinians and expresses disbelief at the brutal act, framing it within the context of what they perceive as an ongoing genocide.
It further continues “A young life… The profound dehumanization of Palestinians has reached incomprehensible depths. The act of brutally taking a child’s life, leaving her lifeless body suspended from a wall with limbs severed – can you grasp the gravity of these words? Engage with me in a conversation acknowledging the harsh reality of what seems to be a genocide.”
User’s Asking For Removal of Video
Another social media page, @stairwayto3dom, reported the removal of a video featuring Sidra Hassouna’s body, claiming that there was an effort to make the world forget about the incident. The online community reacted with shock and disbelief, with many users expressing their grief and condemnation of the assaults on Palestinians.
Despite the widespread sharing of Sidra Hassouna’s story on social media, mainstream news outlets had not reported on her death at the time of writing. CNN, however, reported more than 100 casualties in Rafah due to Israeli airstrikes, with the Israeli military confirming the targeting of specific areas and claiming the rescue of two hostages in their 60s and 70s.
#RafahUnderAttack#SidraHassouna pic.twitter.com/kNiJta7fjA
— نايف الزامل (@NaifZamil) February 14, 2024
Hamas, in response to the attack on Rafah, released a statement condemning what they referred to as a “horrific massacre” and accused the Israeli military of continuing a genocidal war against the Palestinian people.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu previously announced the IDF’s advance towards Rafah, describing it as “Hamas’ last bastion” and ordering the evacuation of citizens.
As international advocacy for Gaza intensifies, the tragic death of Sidra Hassouna stands as a grim symbol of the broader humanitarian crisis unfolding in the region.