Jenin Refugee Camp, West Bank(AFP) – The funeral of Sadir Nagniye, a 15-year-old Palestinian girl killed in the recent fighting between Israelis and Palestinians at the Jenin refugee camp, increases the number of children victims of violence. I made it clear that Deviating from tradition, Sadhir’s school friends carried her body, wrapped in her school uniform, throughout the camp, reciting Islamic funeral prayers.
The incident was condemned by human rights groups and prompted renewed scrutiny of the Israeli army’s record of civilian casualties. Sadir is one of 12 Palestinians under the age of 16 who have died in Israeli fires in the West Bank this year, according to the Associated Press. The Israeli military has not provided an explanation for her death and said the situation is still under investigation. Witnesses and surveillance video show that there were no altercations in her immediate vicinity at the time of Sadir’s murder. Fighting between Palestinian militants and Israeli forces took place about 650 meters (700 yards) from their home. Sadir’s family believe the fatal shot was fired from an Israeli military jeep driving through their city.
Nearly 140 Palestinians have died in Israeli fires in the West Bank this year, about half of them linked to militants, according to the Associated Press. The Israeli military has often accused Palestinian militants of using residential areas as hiding places, thereby endangering civilians. The Jenin refugee camp has become a stronghold for Palestinian militants and a focal point for attacks by Israeli forces. The camp is still feeling the effects of the massive fighting during the second Palestinian uprising in 2002. Freedom Ms. Sadhir, who lived near her theater, was a frequent visitor and dreamed of becoming a nurse. However, she was deeply troubled by the ongoing conflict and violence in the region.
The death of her Sadir has renewed concerns over the protection of children in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and called for greater responsibility to prevent further civilian casualties. The circumstances of her death are still under investigation and her family mourns the loss of a girl with dreams and aspirations.
The Israeli military did not respond to specific questions about the incident, but said the operation was aimed at combating terrorism and protecting the Israeli public. But critics say more accountability is needed to prevent the loss of innocent lives and to tackle the region’s daily murders.
As the violence continues and the conflict shows no sign of resolution, the pain and suffering of younger generations in Jenin refugee camp and other affected areas is expected to have lasting effects.
