Mother and three daughters killed in Israeli airstrike

On September 23, a mother and her three daughters were killed in an Israeli airstrike in the Hanouyeh region of southern Lebanon. The three daughters were students at a school in Gambia operated by Turkey’s Maarif Foundation.

The family had traveled to Lebanon to attend a relative’s funeral.

The victims were identified as mother Mona Katabai and her three daughters—Zaina (9), Zahra (5), and Banin (4).

At the time of the Israeli airstrike, they were staying in the Hanouyeh region of southern Lebanon. The girls' father, Mohammad Katabai, was in Gambia at the time.

Friends of Mona Katabai said that shortly before the strike, she had been speaking with them on the phone. However, after a loud explosion, she put down the phone to comfort her frightened daughters.

Turkey’s First Lady Emine Erdoğan expressed deep sorrow over the tragic incident. She stated, “Those who turn a blind eye to such deep suffering carry the mark of oppression. I hope those responsible for this heinous crime will face justice.”

Tensions between Israel and Lebanon’s Hezbollah group have been escalating for the past 11 months. Hezbollah has been launching rockets, missiles, and drones toward Israel in support of Palestinians in Gaza and in solidarity with their ally, Hamas. In response, Israel has been conducting regular airstrikes, targeting Hezbollah leaders.

According to Lebanon’s Ministry of Health, at least 610 people have been killed in Israeli attacks since September 23, including 50 children and 94 women. More than 2,000 people have been injured.
Source: Anadolu Agency