Arabic version: إطلاق النار الإسرائيلي يترك المراهقين معاقين في مخيم عسكر للاجئين

In the Askar refugee camp, situated in the occupied West Bank, fear has taken hold as families refrain from gathering outdoors due to the threat posed by Israeli soldiers. Islam Madani, a local father, expressed that the once-popular olive tree area is now avoided, with many residents fearing for their safety. According to Al Jazeera, the camp has seen the deaths of three teenagers and numerous injuries since the escalation of violence following Hamas’s attack on Israel on October 7, 2023.

Amjad Refaee, director of the Askar Social Development Centre, noted that the military’s approach has shifted from using rubber bullets to aiming directly at individuals, resulting in severe injuries and fatalities. The camp’s residents have likened their situation to living in a prison, as they face continuous military incursions that disrupt their already difficult lives.

Among the injured is Amir Othman, an 18-year-old who was shot while attempting to rescue a friend. The bullet shattered his leg, leading to multiple surgeries and a permanent disability. Amir described the traumatic experience, stating that he initially wished for death rather than endure his injuries. Despite his struggles, he continues to dream of returning to dancing and playing football, activities that are now beyond his reach.

The violence has not only affected Amir but also other young residents like Yamen Habron, who was shot returning home from the gym, and Islam Madani, who was shot while heading to work. Both now live with disabilities that have altered their lives significantly. The Askar camp, densely populated and marked by poverty, has become a site of despair, with parents like Madani prohibiting their children from playing outside due to the threat of gunfire.

Local leaders and residents emphasize that the military operations indiscriminately target anyone in the vicinity, leaving no one safe. The ongoing violence has left deep psychological scars on the community, as families grapple with the trauma of losing loved ones and witnessing horrific injuries among their youth.