Grandmother Shot While Fleeing with Grandson Under White Flag

Sara Khreis and her family, residing in Gaza City’s al-Rimal neighborhood, faced a harrowing decision about whether to evacuate as Israeli forces intensified their operations in the area. After enduring two nights of relentless bombardment that made them fear for their house’s integrity, they concluded that leaving was imperative.

Sara, aged 18, recounted to CNN the unforgettable events of November 12, fighting back tears. During the height of the conflict, their home became a refuge for over 20 family members and neighbors. On the morning of their departure, Sara’s mother, 57-year-old Hala, hastily prepared breakfast and took a moment for prayer. Soon after, they were alerted by neighbors that an evacuation route had been established, urging them to escape.

The family hastily left their home, joining a multitude of others displaying white flags as a sign of surrender.

Leading the group, Hala was holding hands with her 4-year-old grandson, Tayem, as they carefully walked through a debris-strewn street. Tragically, amidst their flight, a gunshot was heard and Hala collapsed to the ground.

The footage capturing Hala’s tragic death is among several videos documenting instances where unarmed civilians in Gaza, carrying white flags, were shot and killed. CNN has investigated four such cases, including Hala Khreis’s. Despite multiple efforts to discuss these findings with the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), the response received on Friday indicated that “the incident is being examined.”