🕊️ The Boy Who Bled to Death as a Soldier Celebrated
Sebastia, West Bank — In the shadow of Sebastia’s ancient ruins, a symptom of fear now grips the town’s youth: they have learned to run and hide whenever Israeli military vehicles appear.
The Incident That Shook Sebastia
In January, 14‑year‑old Ahmed Jazar, unarmed and returning home with bread for his family, was shot in the chest by an Israeli soldier. Witnesses describe how the soldier raised his rifle triumphantly, as Ahmed collapsed and bled to death from a single gunshot to the heart.
His mother, Wafaa, mourned, “They shot Ahmed and killed all his dreams, right there and then”.
A Promising Life Cut Short
Ahmed, a painter’s son who helped support his family, dreamed of opening his own decoration shop. Affectionate, social, and responsible, he spent his Sunday afternoons playing football, cycling, and enjoying time with friends—never suspecting it would be his final day.
The Impact on Birthing Fear
Since Ahmed’s death, life in Sebastia has changed. Palestinian families lock their doors during raids, children hide indoors, and communal fear escalates. As his grieving father Rashid shared, “The army treats us like we’re in a state of war—but we’ve done nothing.” Wafaa, clutching Ahmed’s photo and blood-stained clothes, remains unable to make eye contact, her grief unrelenting.
Sham Accountability?
An Israeli military investigation was reportedly opened, but Palestinians distrust such probes, calling them worthless. Rashid refused to cooperate, saying, “They killed my son and then call me to talk about justice?”.
A Wider Pattern
Since the far-right Israeli government under Netanyahu came to power, raids like those in Sebastia intensified. At least 25 gunshot injuries have been reported in town, a few involving children
. Similar fear and violence are reported across the occupied West Bank.
What Ahmed’s Story Tells Us
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Children are paying the price: A boy doing a simple errand becomes a casualty of fear and aggression.
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Triumphal violence: Reports describe the shooter celebrating the act that extinguished a life.
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No closure or justice: Distrust prevails, as investigations rarely yield accountability.
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Collective trauma: Ahmed’s death has instilled living fear across the whole community.
We Must Not Forget
Ahmed Jazar’s life stands for the countless young ones whose futures are taken too soon—not by battle, but by the routine violence of occupation. His story demands:
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Independent investigations with accountability
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Respect for children’s rights and immunity from military aggression
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International awareness and pressure for change
In Sebastia’s ancient streets, echoes of loss linger. Let Ahmed’s memory challenge us to break the cycle of violence, and restore safety and justice for all children under occupation.
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