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Husam Zomlot says family members who died while sheltering in the city include seven-year-old twins and 15-month-old
The Palestinian ambassador to the UK has said that eight of his relatives who were sheltering in the southern Gaza town of Rafah have been killed in an Israeli strike.
Husam Zomlot identified a girl in a distressing photo that has been widely shared online as his wife’s seven-year-old cousin, Sidra Hassouna. In the image, that has been posted on social media, Sidra’s body can be seen dangling from the ruins of a building after the attacks on Rafah on Monday.
Sharing a blurred version of the image, alongside pictures of his other relatives, Zomlot posted on X on Wednesday: “This is seven-year-old Sidra, the cousin of my wife. The impact of the Israeli missile was so powerful it flung her out, leaving her mutilated body dangling from the ruins of the destroyed building in Rafah 48 hours ago.”
He said that Sidra’s twin, Suzan, had also been killed, as had their 15-month-old sibling, Malik; their parents, Karam and Amouna; their grandparents, Suzan and Fouzy; and uncle, Muhammad.
“The family had been displaced from the north of Gaza and took shelter in Rafah. We will be relentless until those responsible [are] brought to justice,” Zomlot added.
Politicians in the UK sent their condolences to Zomlot and his family. The Labour MP Richard Burgon said: “Husam, my deepest condolences. I cannot begin to imagine the pain you and your family are going through. A ceasefire is so desperately needed to put an end to the killing and suffering and those responsible for this must be held to account.”
Zarah Sultana, another Labour MP, said: “My deepest condolences to you and your family for your immeasurable loss, Husam. For Sidra, and the tens of thousands of Palestinians who have been killed, we will continue to fight for accountability and justice.”
John McDonnell, a former shadow chancellor, and the Labour MP Nadia Whittome also sent condolences.
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