They will kill you: The Tragic Case of Aws al-Naasan

The shooting of Aws al-Naasan, a 14-year-old boy, by an Israeli reservist outside his school in Mughayyir on April 21, 2026, starkly highlights the escalating violence against Palestinian children in the West Bank. Aws was shot dead amid a wave of settler violence targeting schools and students.

Classes in Mughayyir were suspended for a week following the killings of Aws and another boy, Jihad Abu Naim. The community’s grief deepens as they grapple with the loss of young lives. In a chilling turn, shortly after Aws’s death, Israeli settlers attacked and demolished a British- and European-funded school for Palestinian children.

Key facts:

• Aws was shot while attending school, where education has become increasingly dangerous.
• Israeli forces have a history of disrupting education in Mughayyir, including setting up checkpoints that frighten students.
• The rights group B’Tselem stated that Aws’s shooting fits a pattern of deadly attacks by Israeli soldiers and settlers.

“We want to go back to school, but our families are worried,” said Ahmed Abu Ali, a friend and classmate of Aws. His words echo the sentiments of many in Mughayyir — fear stifles their pursuit of education. Tariq Hathaleen emphasized the importance of safe routes to school: “This path is not just a road; it is the lifeline that connects our children to their education and to a sense of normal life.”

Despite claims from Israeli military officials that the reservist opened fire after stones were thrown at his vehicle, many question the justification behind such lethal force. The French government has demanded compensation from Israel for the destruction of the school, highlighting international concern over these acts.

These attacks on education are not isolated incidents. James Elder, global spokesperson for Unicef, stated: “These attacks on the education of Palestinian children are not isolated incidents.” With over 18,639 students killed in Gaza and significant numbers of teachers also lost — 792 — the toll on Palestinian education is staggering.

Aws leaves behind three siblings who now must navigate a world made darker by loss and uncertainty. As communities mourn, they face an uphill battle against systemic violence that threatens their children’s futures.