Mohammad Al Yazji is 13 years old.
When NBC News first met him in late 2023, Mohammad was living in a tent with his seven siblings in Rafah, Gaza. Their mother was killed in an Israeli airstrike on October 10, 2023, three days after the Hamas terror attack on Israel. At the time of filming, they didn’t know if their father was alive or dead.
“On Their Own: Growing Up in War-Torn Gaza,” is a quiet, immersive video detailing the daily struggles of Mohammad and his siblings. There is no narration or correspondent — the only voice we hear is from Mohammad.
We watch Mohammad as he buys food, waits in line for water, helps his siblings wash their clothes, and heats up baby formula for his 6-month-old sister, Toleen. He is responsible for their safety and security – but he is a child and he is clearly overwhelmed. He receives very little international aide. An uncle tries to help, but he doesn’t live nearby. They rely on help from the local community to make ends meet.
By relying only on verite footage and sound, “On Their Own” is able to tell an emotionally wrenching story about some of the Israel/Hamas war’s youngest victims.
