Yahia Mazen Khalifa

Their life

Yahia Mazen Khalifa, 14, was a young Palestinian boy from the Gaza Strip. His life was tragically cut short on 12 May 2021 during an Israeli airstrike that struck Gaza. Yahia was one of many innocent civilians, including children, who lost their lives during the Israeli military assaults on the densely populated and besieged Gaza Strip.

Yahia Mazen Khalifa grew up in the Gaza Strip, a place marked by frequent conflict and humanitarian challenges. As a 14-year-old, he was in the prime of his childhood, likely attending school and enjoying the everyday activities of youth despite the difficult circumstances surrounding life in Gaza. On 12 May 2021, during a massive Israeli bombardment targeting homes, residential buildings, and infrastructure throughout the Gaza Strip, Yahia was killed in an airstrike. His death came amid widespread violence that claimed the lives of 247 Palestinians over an 11-day period, including 66 children and 39 women. Yahia’s passing represents the heavy toll of conflict on young civilians in Gaza, highlighting the vulnerability of children in war zones and the urgent need for protection of innocent lives.

How they died

Yahia was killed in an Israeli airstrike.

On 12 May 2021, during the 11-day Israeli military assault on Gaza, Israeli missiles struck various locations in the Gaza Strip, targeting homes, streets, and infrastructure. Yahia Mazen Khalifa was killed in one of these airstrikes. The widespread attacks claimed the lives of at least 247 Palestinians, including 66 children, and caused significant destruction across Gaza. His death illustrates the indiscriminate impact of military operations on civilians, especially children, in densely populated areas.

Why we remember them

This record exists so that Yahia Mazen Khalifa, and all who are named in this archive, are never reduced to a number.

References & sources