Bothaina Mahmoud Obeid

Their life

Bothaina Mahmoud Issa Obeid, 6, was a young Palestinian girl from the Jabalia refugee camp in northern Gaza Strip. On May 14, 2021, she was tragically killed when shrapnel from an Israeli missile struck her head during an intense bombardment of northern Gaza. Bothaina’s death occurred amid a wave of airstrikes targeting densely populated civilian areas, which claimed the lives of many children, women, and families. Her loss represents the devastating impact of the escalation on Gaza’s most vulnerable residents.

Bothaina Mahmoud Issa Obeid, aged six, lived with her family in the Jabalia refugee camp in northern Gaza, a community long affected by displacement, blockade, and recurring cycles of violence. Her childhood, like that of many children in Gaza, was marked by instability and the constant threat of conflict. On May 14, 2021, during one of the most violent nights of Israeli airstrikes, Bothaina was killed when shrapnel from a missile struck her head near her home. That night, dozens of Palestinians, including children and entire families, were killed in similar attacks across northern Gaza, including Beit Lahia, Rafah, Khan Younis, and Gaza City.

Bothaina’s death highlights the indiscriminate nature of the strikes, which destroyed homes, schools, and civilian infrastructure. Her family, along with thousands of others, were forced to flee their homes and seek shelter in UNRWA schools and mosques due to ongoing bombardment. Though only six years old, Bothaina’s life, like those of other children in Gaza, was caug

How they died

Bothaina Mahmoud Issa Obeid was killed by shrapnel from an Israeli missile.

During heavy Israeli bombardments of northern Gaza on May 14, 2021, multiple missiles were fired into densely populated areas, including Jabalia refugee camp. Bothaina was struck in the head by shrapnel from one of these missiles near her home, causing fatal injuries. Her death occurred amid widespread destruction, which claimed dozens of lives, including children, women, and entire families, and forced thousands to flee their homes.

Why we remember them

This record exists so that Bothaina Mahmoud Obeid, and all who are named in this archive, are never reduced to a number.

References & sources