In a tragic incident on November 3, Israeli soldiers shot and killed 14-year-old Naji al-Baba, a Palestinian boy, while he was playing football near his home in the occupied West Bank. Naji, a sports enthusiast and devoted fan of Portuguese football icon Cristiano Ronaldo, had dreams of becoming a professional footballer. Known as the “darling of the family” for his kindness and contributions at home, he was the fifth of six siblings and loved spending time playing football with his friends in the neighborhood.
The day began like any other, with Naji attending school and returning home briefly before heading out to play. But what should have been an ordinary game turned into a nightmare when Israeli soldiers opened fire on the group of children. Naji was struck and severely injured, sustaining four gunshot wounds—one to his heart, another to his foot, a third to his pelvis, and the final wound to his shoulder. He endured agony for more than 30 minutes before any medical help arrived.
Naji’s father, Nidal Abdel Moti al-Baba, rushed to the scene but was violently assaulted by Israeli soldiers, suffering a broken hand in the process. Hours later, the family learned that Naji’s body had been taken to a Palestinian hospital in an ambulance, with Israeli authorities refusing to hand it over.
Naji’s mother, speaking to Al Jazeera, described her son as someone who “grew up before his age,” adding, “When he left us, I felt that I lost a part of me that we’ll never get back.”
The Israeli army defended the actions, claiming Naji had been in a prohibited area for Palestinians. However, the devastating loss has left a family shattered. Nidal, despite his injury, carried his son’s body to the funeral, surrounded by grieving family members.
This incident is another tragic reminder of the ongoing violence in the region, where children like Naji, who had bright futures ahead of them, become victims of a larger conflict. The community and family mourn the loss of a young life cut short, a boy with dreams now forever unfulfilled.
