A moment of elation amid tragedy: Baby born after Israeli air strike dies

Rescued from her dying mother's womb, Tala Rouqa's life began with a glimmer of hope. But it was not to last.

By Chantal Da Silva and Josh Lederman

It was a moment of elation amid tragedy in December as baby Tala Rouqa was born alive in the aftermath of an Israeli air strike in southern Gaza. But the BBC has learned that the baby has since died. Tala's teenage mother, Lina Abu Hatab, 19, was killed in the attack, along with her husband and brother. Lina was 32 weeks pregnant at the time, and doctors were able to perform an emergency Caesarean section to deliver Tala. The baby was born prematurely and weighed just 1.7 pounds. She was taken to the intensive care unit at a Gaza hospital, where she was given a 50% chance of survival. For her first few days of life, Tala defied the odds. But her condition deteriorated rapidly over the weekend, and she died on Sunday. The news of Tala's death has sent shockwaves through Gaza and the international community. Her story had been a beacon of hope in the midst of the ongoing conflict, and her death is a reminder of the tragic toll that the violence is taking on innocent civilians. Tala's story is also a reminder of the incredible resilience of the human spirit. Even in the darkest of times, there is always hope. And even though Tala's life was cut short, her story will continue to inspire others.