Looking at Gaza during the first days of the Israeli onslaught, one would think it is a city inhabited by ghosts. Nobody dared to get out of their house since Israeli tanks were everywhere. The skies were clouded with aircraft and colored by the red flames of Israeli rockets that showered Gaza, day and night. 

Only Magdy, with his innocence and childhood, found a reason to get out of his house. Magdy, accompanied by his cousin, Muhammad, went to gather some wood for his mother, so she could cook for them. After quickly collecting the wood, Magdy and Muhammad were tempted by the warmth of the sun's rays to play a little. But it was only a few minutes before an Israeli rocket, aimed at the two children, ended their game. Their bodies lay, ripped to shreds.

With his quietness, innocence, and light-hearted nature, Magdy captivated hearts at first sight. He never hurt anyone. Everyone who knew him noted his merits and good manners. 

His father still cannot realize how ruthlessly his son was killed. “Is my son gone forever? But, I didn’t even have the chance to say goodbye to him!” Magdy’s brothers, yearn to see Magdy again. They still await his return home with his innocent smile. Ruba, Magdy’s younger sister, still imagines Magdy calling her to fetch him something from a nearby store. As she hears his voice echo in her ears, she glances back, only to discover that there was no one there. At that moment, nothing could extinguish her deep sorrow and pain for her brother’s death, but tears.

Magdy always accompanied his mother, regardless of where she went. Whenever anybody asked a favor of Magdy, he was always happy to help. Now, those who often went to Magdy, miss him greatly and long to see him again.

His Dreams:

It was Magdy’s greatest wish that the sun of freedom would shine again in the skies of the Gaza Strip. He wished to gain his post-graduate studies from a faculty which would enable him to best utilize and employ his skills and talents. 

He hoped this would prepare him for a suitable job that would allow him to provide for his poor family. 

Sadly, the IDF deprived this young boy from achieving his dreams- dreams that were lawfully his human right, according to international agreements and treaties. 

Magdy’s story will always be one of innocent dreams – dreams that the children of Gaza have that will never come true now.