Bissan was born due to an airstrike. Two weeks after the war in Gaza began in October 2023, an Israeli attack destroyed the home of Bissan's family in Beit Lahia near the Israeli border, killing her sister, who had never met her. The explosion severely injured her pregnant mother, forcing her to deliver Bissan six weeks early to save her life and that of her daughter.
Weeks later, the baby was transferred to Egypt by ambulance while in an incubator. This baby was one of 29 premature infants evacuated from a neonatal hospital and transferred to Egypt as Israeli forces approached. Unfortunately, seven of these infants lost their lives in Egypt, but Bissan survived.
Return to Gaza and Emotional Challenges
While Bissan was growing up in hospitals and care centers in Egypt, her mother, Sandous Al-Kurd, never lost hope of reuniting with her daughter. Despite the war, Sandous made video calls to her daughter in Gaza to talk with her.
This March, despite a seemingly temporary ceasefire, Bissan returned to Gaza to reunite with her family. This mission was facilitated by the United Nations, and she returned home with 10 other children who had been evacuated as premature infants.
Ultimately, when they were reunited, Bissan did not recognize her mother. Her mother said that her two-and-a-half-year-old daughter calls any woman who shows her affection “Mama.”
Effects of War on Childhood
Returning to Gaza as a toddler meant learning to live in a war zone, where Israeli airstrikes continue despite a ceasefire agreed upon a year ago between Israel and Hamas. When Bissan first heard the sound of an explosion, she would freeze in fear for several minutes, and she still panics if a balloon pops.
Bissan's life has changed. She has now gotten used to the sound of explosions and faces new challenges every day. Sandous says that at night, Bissan wakes up looking for her mother's affection.
As they try to rebuild their emotional connection, Sandous says, “Bissan is starting to understand who her mother really is. I am the only one present in her life, and she needs me.”
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