A Shattering Loss: Tragedy in Tamra Amid Escalating Conflict

A phone alert blared on Saturday night, heralding the approach of Iranian missiles toward Tamra, a northern Israeli town. Nidal Abu Al Heija, frantically trying to reach his sister, was met with silence. As he raced to her neighborhood, he found a scene of chaos and devastation.

The house had borne the full force of the strike, its roof partially collapsed and its walls reduced to rubble. Among the casualties were 45-year-old Manar Abu Al Heija Katib, known as Noura, her daughters Shada and Hala, and sister-in-law Manar Diab Katib. Sole survivors were Manar's husband, Raja Katib, and their third daughter, Razan.

The tragedy unfolded as Israel and Iran exchanged attacks, with Tamra's Arab community left reeling. Many residents have since sought refuge in public shelters, amid growing fears and grievances over perceived disparities in safety provisions between Arab and Jewish towns.

(With inputs from agencies.)