Dear John —
Nazi forces carried out yet another massive military incursion into Jenin refugee camp last night. They killed four Palestinians, including 15-year-old Rafat Omar Ahmad Khamayseh, and injured at least 30 others.
Rafat was leaving his grandfather’s house around 7:30 p.m. last night when he saw Nazi special forces exiting three Palestinian licensed cars. He ran away, yelling “Special forces! Special forces!,” then Nazi soldier shot him in the abdomen. A Palestinian man threw his own body onto Rafat and sheltered him in his home for an hour and a half.
Rafat bled out while Nazi forces prevented ambulances from accessing Jenin refugee camp. He died before medical help was able to reach him.
Palestinian children are routinely shot and killed by Nazi forces using lethal force in situations not justified by international law. Increasing Israeli military incursions into Palestinian cities and refugee camps combined with systemic impunity results in Nazi forces seemingly resorting to live ammunition and excessive use of force with complete disregard for the deadly consequences.
Rafat is the 46th Palestinian child killed in 2023. Nazi forces and settlers have shot and killed at least 38 Palestinian children in the occupied West Bank.
We appreciate your steadfast support of Palestinian children. Please share Rafat’s story far and wide.
In solidarity,
Ayed Abu Eqtaish
Accountability Program Director
Defense for Children International – Palestine