Thousands Search for Missing Relatives in Gaza After Conflict
Thousands of families in Gaza are enduring a harrowing search for their missing relatives, many of whom are believed to be buried under rubble following the recent conflict. Meanwhile, rights groups have raised alarm over the 'disappearance' of hundreds of Palestinians by Israel, who are being detained without charges or trial, often incommunicado.
The plight of the al-Najjar family is one of many such stories. Mohammad's son Ahmad, 23, went missing during the bombing and has not been found since. The family has searched hospitals, morgues, and even appealed to the International Committee of the Red Cross, but there is no trace of him. Similarly, Khaled Nassar and his wife Khadra have been searching for their son Mahmoud's remains since a ceasefire began in January 2024. Using tools, they have been chipping away at the rubble of their home, desperate to find any sign of their son.
The true number of missing persons in Gaza is unknown, with estimates ranging from 6,000 to over 10,000. This includes people like Fadwa al-Ghalban's 27-year-old son Mosaab, who went missing in July 2023 while trying to get food from their family house. His fate remains unknown. Rights groups report that many of these missing persons are Palestinians from the occupied territories, including political prisoners like Marwan Barghouti, who is being held under high-security conditions without formal charges or court proceedings.
The search for the missing continues, with families like the al-Najjars and Nassars refusing to give up hope. Khadra Nassar has vowed to resume digging for her son's remains if there is a new ceasefire. The international community is urged to pressure Israel to account for the missing and end its policy of administrative detention without formal charges or trial.
