On the outskirts of the Brij camp in central Gaza, Israeli military vehicles and tanks have been stationed, surrounding the cemetery where Muhammad Al-Durrah, a Palestinian child, is buried. This comes as Palestinians mark the 26th anniversary of his martyrdom on September 30. Al-Durrah's death in 2000, at the age of 12, became a powerful symbol of the second Intifada, with images of him seeking refuge behind his father, Jamal Al-Durrah, as they came under fire.
The cemetery, located near the Brij camp, is now a restricted area due to the Israeli military presence. Residents of the camp can see the military vehicles stationed nearby, making it a daily risk to visit the graves. The Al-Durrah family has continued to visit Muhammad's grave, despite the dangers. Jamal Al-Durrah told El Watan News that they expect to be targeted but will continue to visit their son's grave. The family has to navigate through the camp's narrow streets, under the sound of gunfire, to reach the cemetery.
Before the recent war in Gaza, the Al-Durrah family would commemorate Muhammad's martyrdom with traditional family gatherings, sharing memories and stories about him. However, the ongoing conflict has changed these traditions. Jamal Al-Durrah said that the war has made their commemoration a daily occurrence, rather than just an annual event. The family's experiences have become a microcosm of the broader Palestinian struggle.
Muhammad Al-Durrah's martyrdom occurred on September 30, 2000, during the third day of the second Intifada. Images of him, captured by international media, showed him hiding behind his father as they came under fire at a checkpoint in Gaza. The incident became an enduring symbol of the Palestinian struggle. Jamal Al-Durrah still feels a deep connection to his son, saying that his presence is still felt in their daily lives.
The Al-Durrah family has suffered significant losses during the recent conflict in Gaza. Since the start of the war in October 2023, over 80 family members have been killed, and their home has been completely destroyed. Jamal Al-Durrah's brother, Nabil, and his wife were killed, along with another brother, Iyad, and his daughter. The family's youngest son, Mahmoud, was arrested and tortured, resulting in the loss of one of his legs.
According to the Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics, approximately 18,000 Palestinian children have been martyred in Gaza since October 7, 2023. The conflict has also left 113,274 injured, with 69% of them being children and women. More than 11,200 people, including 70% children and women, remain missing.
The ongoing conflict has made it difficult for Palestinians to commemorate the anniversary of Muhammad Al-Durrah's martyrdom without the threat of violence. Despite this, the Al-Durrah family and others continue to mark the occasion, ensuring that the memory of Muhammad and others who have been martyred is not forgotten.
Key points
- Israeli military presence surrounds the cemetery where Muhammad Al-Durrah is buried.
- The Al-Durrah family has suffered significant losses during the recent conflict in Gaza.
- Approximately 18,000 Palestinian children have been martyred in Gaza since October 7, 2023.
