After the Israeli warplanes showered the sky of Al-Amal neighborhood in Bayt Lahya in the northern of Gaza Strip with white phosphorus bombs which started to burn trees, stones, and the people there, there was a decision taken by many of the residents of that neighborhood to resort the UNRWA schools, in the hope that they might find some security there. 

On the 11th of January, Maha, her brother, and her cousin returned to the house which they left two days ago to bring some of the basic needs: clothes and blankets. She came quickly from the School of Abu Hussein to her home in the neighborhood, checked the house and took what she needed. Then she had a quick eye on the house, which sheltered her during her childhood years; then she came out with her eyes full of tears. 

Maha came back in a hurry with her colleagues where their families were waiting eagerly. In the middle of the road, about 50 meters far from the house, she saw her friends and began to salute them and check on their conditions and their families. Maha stood a few minutes with her friends, exchanged conversations and laughed. 

Thereupon, an Israeli reconnaissance warplane launched a missile at them turning their bodies into pieces and their bodies scattered in the place.

Other Information:

Maha had distinctive qualities; she was obedient, quiet, friendly, sensitive, pretty, and brave. During wartime after her family left and her uncle Salim remained behind, he wanted someone to accompany him to school, but no one dared to go back to take him but she did. 

She penetrated the agricultural land and brought him very quietly away from the sight of the tanks. When she brought him back, she smiled and raised his hands by her hand as if she had achieved a victory. On that day, the heart of her mother beat rapidly and feared a lot, but she concealed that as she did not want to spoil the smile that was on her beautiful daughter's face.

Her grandmother cried at the agony and pain of losing that late girl saying: 

"Maha was the core of my heart and part of me."

Maha was not only a granddaughter but also was like a future mother, but the Israeli missiles killed her innocence. After returning home from school, Maha used to go to the house of her grandmother to meet the old lady's needs and if there is nothing to do, she would study, memorize the Qur'an, and write down her homework. When she finished her study, she used to ask the grandmother again the same question "do you want anything?" The grandmother would say in a simple tone: "Come Maha to massage my leg."

Her mother speaks about her relationship with the neighbors' children: 

"Yesterday someone came to ask about Maha to explain to him a science lesson. The mother told him that she is no longer available. He did not believe me and entered to search the house for her and when he did not find her, he left crying. 

"Maha used to teach him as well as many of the neighbors' children the lessons they could not understand. She used to explain to them in a nice and simple style the science, math, and religion free of charge."

Her grandmother, Um Yaser, added: "She took one of my rooms to take the children in her free hours to encourage them to study and when they answered correctly, they would receive another gift, a kiss on the cheek, and nice complement statements."

Her Dreams:

Maha wished to grow up to complete her university studies and work as a teacher of the Islamic education; she dreamt to inculcate in her students' hearts the love of faith and the good moral standards.