Aws al-Naasan, a 14-year-old boy, was shot in the head by an Israeli reservist outside his school in Mughayyir, West Bank, on April 21, 2026. This tragic event highlights the increasing violence against Palestinian children.
The shooting occurred amid a wave of settler violence targeting schools and students. Following Aws’s death, classes in Mughayyir were suspended for a week. This suspension came after the killings of Aws and another local boy, Jihad Abu Naim.
Shortly after Aws was killed, Israeli settlers attacked and demolished a British- and European-funded school for Palestinian children. The rights group B’Tselem stated that this shooting fits a disturbing pattern of deadly attacks by Israeli soldiers and settlers.
Israeli military officials claimed the reservist opened fire after stones were thrown at his vehicle. However, many local residents dispute this account, citing ongoing tensions and fear surrounding education disruptions.
Key statistics:
- Aws al-Naasan was just 14 years old.
- Over 792 teachers have been killed in Gaza.
- Approximately 18,639 students have lost their lives in Gaza due to ongoing violence.
- Aws leaves behind three siblings.
Ahmed Abu Ali, a friend and classmate of Aws, expressed concern: “We want to go back to school, but our families are worried.” This sentiment reflects a broader anxiety among students about returning to educational environments amidst such violence.
Tariq Hathaleen emphasized the importance of safe routes for children: “This path is not just a road; it is the lifeline that connects our children to their education and to a sense of normal life.”
James Elder from Unicef remarked that “these attacks on the education of Palestinian children are not isolated incidents.” The situation continues to evolve, with international responses expected. The French government has already demanded compensation from Israel for the destruction of the school.
