Baby Found Alive in Lille Hospital; Parents and Other Children Still Missing
Lille, France – A six-week-old baby, Dalia, who was the subject of a nationwide kidnapping alert in France, was found alive on Saturday, February 21, 2026, at Saint-Vincent-de-Paul Hospital in Lille. Her brother, Nael, 18 months old, and sister, Eline, 2.5 years old, remain missing, and their parents are actively being sought by authorities.
Details of the Kidnapping and Discovery
The alert was triggered earlier Saturday after the children were reported missing. According to a statement from the Bobigny prosecutor, Eric Mathais, Dalia was discovered after being dropped off at the hospital by an unidentified woman whose face was concealed by a veil and surgical mask at 4:05 p.m. Local time.1
Dalia suffers from a heart condition, and prompt medical attention was critical. Hospital doctors indicated that without appropriate care, her condition could deteriorate rapidly within 48 hours.2 The kidnapping alert has since been lifted.
Investigation and Suspects
Authorities are actively searching for the parents, identified as Abdelkader Benabderrahmane, 24, and Chaima Hattab, 20. They are suspected of kidnapping their three children after being issued a temporary placement order by child welfare services on February 18.1
The placement order followed a hospital report citing inadequate housing, parental drug use, and neglect of the children’s basic needs.1 Police have taken two individuals into custody on suspicion of assisting the parents in their escape.2
Authorities believe the parents may attempt to exit the country.1
Dalia’s Heart Condition
Dalia was born prematurely and has a congenital heart defect, a heart malformation present from birth. This condition affects approximately 1 in 100 children and can impact various parts of the heart, including valves and chambers.2
Infants with severe forms of congenital heart disease require constant medical supervision, particularly if surgery is being considered. Stopping treatment can lead to a rapid decline in health.2
The investigation is ongoing, with authorities continuing to search for Nael, Eline, and their parents.1