Title: Palestinian Boy Pretends His Father Isn’t Dead Amidst Ongoing Violence in the West Bank
Introduction
The occupied West Bank has been plagued by violence and unrest, resulting in the loss of innocent lives. One such victim is Bilal Saleh, a 40-year-old Palestinian man who was shot and killed while picking olives with his family near his home in the village of As-Sawiyah. This tragic incident is just one of many in a series of clashes between Israeli soldiers, settlers, and Palestinians. The escalating violence has left families shattered and communities living in fear.
A Heartbreaking Game of Pretend
Eight-year-old Moussa, Bilal Saleh’s son, has been coping with the loss of his father by playing a heartbreaking game called “Pretend daddy isn’t dead.” Moussa calls his dad, imagines what he did during the day, and acts as if he’s about to run into him. It is a poignant reminder of the void left behind by Bilal’s untimely death. Moussa’s mother, Ikhlas, struggles to even look at pictures of her late husband, let alone recount the events that led to his tragic demise.
The Tragic Incident
Videos from the scene depict a group of Israeli settlers shouting at Bilal Saleh’s family as they were harvesting olives. One of the settlers was armed with an automatic rifle. Fearing for their safety, the family fled, but Bilal realized he had forgotten his phone and went back to retrieve it. Moments later, a gunshot rang out, and the family rushed back to find Bilal bleeding from the chest. Despite being rushed to a nearby hospital, he was declared dead shortly after. The family later learned that a man had been arrested for the shooting but was released shortly thereafter.
Seeking Justice Amidst Settler Violence
Ikhlas was called to a police station in Ariel, a neighboring Israeli settlement, to provide her account of the incident. However, she faced further discrimination when a settler spat on her as she entered the station. Despite the challenges, Israeli human rights group Yesh Din encouraged Ikhlas to file a complaint. However, statistics show that 92 percent of settler violence cases between 2005 and 2021 were dismissed by Israeli authorities, raising doubts about the prospects of justice for Palestinian victims.
The Escalation of Violence
The West Bank, home to nearly three million Palestinians, has been under Israeli occupation since 1967. The situation has worsened over the past decade, with increasing attacks, land confiscation, and the construction of illegal settlements. The violence intensified after Hamas militants from Gaza launched an attack on southern Israel, resulting in significant casualties on both sides. In retaliation, Israel declared war on Hamas and launched a large-scale military offensive in Gaza, further escalating tensions.
A Plea for Peace and Justice
The residents of As-Sawiyah and their supporters are not seeking violence or revenge. Instead, they advocate for peace, justice, and mercy, echoing the teachings of Prophet Muhammad. They believe that sharing their stories is a way to shed light on the injustices they face and raise awareness about the need for a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
Conclusion
The tragic death of Bilal Saleh is just one example of the ongoing violence and suffering endured by Palestinians in the West Bank. The loss of innocent lives and the impact on families, particularly children like Moussa, is devastating. It is crucial for the international community to take notice of these incidents and work towards a peaceful resolution that ensures justice and security for all parties involved. Only through dialogue, understanding, and a commitment to peace can the cycle of violence be broken and a brighter future be secured for the people of the West Bank.