In the occupied West Bank town of Sebastia, the youth have learned to hide in their homes whenever Israeli soldiers approach. The warning cries often originate from those walking near the vantage point of Sebastia archaeological park’s scenic summit, where people can spot army vehicles on the roads below before they reach the town and its ancient ruins, giving people a chance to hide their young.
Ahmed Jazar, a 14-year-old boy, was shot dead by an Israeli soldier in January this year. Witnesses saw the soldier “celebrating” as Ahmed slowly bled to death on the ground, his father, Rashid, aged 57, told newsmen. “They shot Ahmed and killed all his dreams, right there and then,” Ahmed’s mother, Wafaa, said. “The army treats us like we’re in a state of war – but we’ve done nothing. Soldiers are here every day, and no one feels their children are safe unless they are at home.”
Ahmed was a mature and caring boy who aspired to open a shop to make enough money to buy his family a permanent home. He was shot while buying bread for his family, and his parents believe the Israeli soldier knew he was a young boy and posed no threat. “He was just a child,” Rashid said. “The Israeli soldier knew he was a young boy – and that he was no threat to the army in any way. He was hundreds of metres away from them when they shot him!”
The Israeli military spokesperson said an investigation was launched into the incident, but the family is skeptical about the outcome. “They killed my son and then call me to talk about justice?” Rashid said. Newsmen sent written inquiries to Israeli authorities, asking for comment on the investigation into Ahmed’s shooting, but no response had been received by the time of publication.
The Israeli army’s frequent raids on occupied West Bank towns prompt some children and young people into acts of defiance, like throwing stones towards the heavily armed soldiers or their armoured vehicles. Ahmed’s family denies his involvement in such activities, but the Israeli soldiers’ actions have created a climate of fear in Sebastia. “The army comes here daily – and now we fear to go out,” Wafaa said. “Soldiers are prepared to shoot children now. I let my son go to the shops, but I got him back [covered] in blood.”
The family is struggling to cope with the loss of their son, and the financial situation is precarious. Rashid used to work as a painter in Israel, but he has been unable to go to work across the border since October 7, contributing to the family’s perilous financial situation. Ahmed had dropped out of school to help his father with odd jobs, and his mother is unable to find work. “I sit by Ahmed’s grave and cry for hours,” Wafaa said. “I cry there as much as I can, so that my children don’t see me – I have to be strong for them”.