Zakariya Barbakh, a 13-year-old Palestinian boy, was tragically killed by an Israeli sniper in Rafah, a southern city of Gaza, on Monday. The incident occurred as his family celebrated a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas, which had gone into effect just a day earlier. Zakariya's untimely death highlights the ongoing tension and fragility in the region, even during periods intended for peace.
Zakariya had spent much of his young life moving between hospitals across Gaza, the occupied West Bank, and Israel. Born into a conflict-ridden environment, he was familiar with the harsh realities of living in a war zone. On the day of his death, Zakariya ventured out to gather wood for cooking and heating—an innocent errand that turned fatal. His family identified him in a video showing a man attempting to drag his lifeless body away from the scene.
The Israeli military informed CNN that they were unaware of the incident involving Zakariya. However, doctors at Nasser Hospital confirmed that a sniper’s bullet claimed the boy’s life. Zakariya is one of at least four Palestinians allegedly shot by the Israeli military since the ceasefire took effect. Despite withdrawing to buffer zones along Gaza's border, the Israeli military has cautioned Palestinians against approaching areas where its troops remain stationed.
In the days leading up to the ceasefire, Israeli attacks reportedly killed at least 142 Palestinians, as per Gaza's Civil Defense. Zakariya's family had been hopeful and relieved when the ceasefire was announced. His mother recounted Zakariya's words with a heavy heart:
“Mom, now we can go look for my lungs!” – Zakariya Barbakh's mother
This expression of hope turned into a devastating reality for his family and community.
The violence also affected Zakariya’s next-door neighbor, Moutasem Dallou. An Israeli airstrike targeted Dallou's home in the dead of night, leaving his young children traumatized by the explosion's impact. Shrapnel reached their residence, intensifying their fear of future attacks. Reflecting on the psychological toll on his children, Dallou remarked:
“I know from my experience with my little daughter that this child is going through a difficult psychological state. They are petrified from any sound now …They start crying for their mother,” – Moutasem Dallou
Both Zakariya’s and Dallou’s families were displaced by the war, sharing not only a neighborhood but also the resultant hardships. Mawada, Dallou's sister, expressed her commitment to supporting Zakariya’s family:
“We will try, but we will not be able to replace his mother or bring her back.” – Mawada
Such sentiments underline the shared grief and solidarity among families affected by the ongoing conflict.
Zakariya's death underscores the precarious nature of life in Gaza, where even moments meant for celebration can swiftly turn to mourning. As Mawada poignantly stated:
“This child lost his mother and father in mere seconds. Because of the decision of a pilot in the sky, this child lost everything he had in life,” – Mawada
The ceasefire between Israel and Hamas was intended to bring relief to those caught in the crossfire of longstanding hostilities. However, incidents like Zakariya's death reveal how deeply entrenched tensions continue to affect ordinary lives.
