Nablus, occupied West Bank – The grieving family of a teenager killed in the West Bank is speaking out against the actions of Israeli settlers, asserting that the violence is not solely about Hamas. Najlaa Dmaidi’s 19-year-old son, Labib, was shot dead by Israeli settlers almost two months ago, and his family has been left devastated. The attack on their home occurred after a Palestinian carried out a drive-by shooting in the town, which caused no injuries. The Dmaidi family’s tragic story sheds light on the deteriorating conditions for Palestinians living in the occupied West Bank, particularly in Huwara, where the family resides.
Huwara, surrounded by illegal Israeli settlements, settler outposts, military checkpoints, and bases, has been subjected to severe settler attacks and movement restrictions imposed by the Israeli army for over a year and a half. Labib, described by his mother as a lively and loving young man, was pursuing a graphic design degree at Palestine Technical University. He had dreams for his future and was proud of his accomplishments before his life was abruptly taken.
The situation in Huwara has turned the once bustling town into a ghost town, much like Shuhada Street in the Old City of Hebron. Since May 2022, the Israeli army and settlers have ramped up their presence and attacks in Huwara, culminating in a violent rampage by hundreds of settlers in February that left a Palestinian man dead and numerous properties destroyed. The attack on the Dmaidi home was just one in a series of incidents that have left the town paralyzed and its residents living in fear.
Labib’s father, Mohammad, believes that Israel exploited the Hamas attack on Israel two days after his son’s death to further intensify restrictions in Huwara. However, he emphasizes that the focus on Hamas distracts from Israel’s overall policies against the Palestinian people. Mohammad points out that previous attacks on Huwara, including the burning of the town in February, occurred without any involvement of Hamas. He questions the world’s response to the plight of his community and criticizes the Israeli government’s actions.
The impact of the violence on the Dmaidi family’s children is severe, with psychological trauma affecting their well-being. Witnessing the killing of their brother and the ongoing settler attacks has left them shaken and fearful. Mohammad also holds the Palestinian Authority partly responsible for the current situation in the occupied West Bank, criticizing its perceived collaboration with Israeli authorities and its failure to protect Palestinian rights.
The Dmaidi family’s story sheds light on the larger issue of the Israeli occupation, land theft, and settlement building, which have prevented the creation of an independent Palestinian state. Many Palestinians now view the Palestinian Authority as a mere subcontractor for the Israeli occupation, further exacerbating their sense of hopelessness and frustration. The family’s plea for justice and a better future for Palestinian children resonates with the broader Palestinian population.
As the international community grapples with ongoing conflicts and global challenges, it is crucial not to overlook the individual stories of those affected by violence and oppression. Labib’s death is a stark reminder of the human cost of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the urgent need for a resolution that respects the rights and dignity of all parties involved.
