NEW DELHI: Amid the ongoing Israel-Palestine conflict, a six-year-old Muslim boy was stabbed as many as 26 times by his landlord allegedly as a response to the deadly war between Israel and Hamas.

The assailant, armed with a military-style knife featuring a 7-inch serrated blade, targeted not only the innocent child but also attacked his mother, Hanaan Shahin. Fortunately, officials state that she is expected to survive the injuries inflicted during the assault.

Initially, the names of the victims were not revealed by the authorities, but the boy’s paternal uncle, Yousef Hannon, identified them during a news conference hosted by the Chicago chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR). The family, seeking refuge in America for a peaceful life, came from a village in the West Bank, as revealed by the White House.

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Joseph Czuba, the 71-year-old accused, now faces charges of murder, attempted murder, and two hate crimes. The weapon, a serrated military-style knife, was recovered from the boy’s abdomen during the autopsy.

According to the head of CAIR Chicago, Ahmed Rehab, the woman managed to call 911 while resisting the assailant. Czuba reportedly knocked on the door, attempted to choke her, and uttered, “you Muslims must die,” as recounted through text messages sent by the woman to the boy’s grieving father.

Wadea, who recently celebrated his 6th birthday, was described as a joyful child who loved everything. The family had moved to the US nine years ago. The tragic incident has sent shockwaves through the community, prompting a news conference by Ahmed Rehab, CAIR-Chicago’s executive director.

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Reacting to this, US President Biden issued a statement expressing condolences. Confirming the woman as the boy’s mother, Biden emphasised that their “Palestinian Muslim family came to America seeking what we all seek — a refuge to live, learn, and pray in peace.” The President condemned the act of hate, urging Americans to unite against Islamophobia and all forms of bigotry and hatred.

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