Ahmed Abu Assi

Their life

Ahmed Abu Assi, 13, was a Palestinian boy from Gaza who was killed in the al-Ahli Hospital explosion on 17 October 2023. Remembered by his father as the strongest and bravest in the family, Ahmed was also known for his entrepreneurial spirit. Despite his young age, he showed leadership qualities and was deeply admired by his relatives.

Ahmed Abu Assi was born into a family in Gaza that valued resilience and togetherness, especially in the face of hardship. At just 13 years old, he had already developed a reputation within his household as the strongest and most courageous member, often stepping up in ways beyond his years. His father described him not only as brave but also as entrepreneurial, with a natural instinct for initiative and problem-solving. Ahmed had a close bond with his elder brother Mazen, and the two were rarely apart despite having very different personalities. While Mazen excelled in academics, Ahmed brought energy, strength, and creativity to the family. His life was tragically cut short in October 2023, depriving his family of a boy full of potential and spirit.

How they died

Ahmed Abu Assi was killed in the al-Ahli Hospital explosion on 17 October 2023.

On 17 October 2023, Ahmed was one of the many victims of the deadly explosion at al-Ahli Arab Hospital in Gaza City. The responsibility for the blast remains disputed: Palestinian officials stated it was caused by an Israeli air strike, while the Israeli military claimed it was the result of a failed rocket launch by Palestinian Islamic Jihad, which the group denied. The explosion killed hundreds of civilians, including Ahmed, whose death highlighted the devastating toll of the conflict on Gaza’s children.

A plea from the family

Ahmed’s father, Arafat Abu Assi, expressed his devastation at losing his young son along with his older brother Mazen in the hospital blast. He described Ahmed as “the strongest and bravest in the family” and remembered his entrepreneurial spirit, saying that even at a young age, he carried qualities of leadership and resilience. Arafat’s words reflect both his pride in Ahmed’s character and his deep anguish at losing a child full of promise. Through his grief, he pleaded for the world to acknowledge the unbearable suffering of families in Gaza and the loss of children whose futures were unjustly stolen.

Why we remember them

This record exists so that Ahmed Abu Assi, and all who are named in this archive, are never reduced to a number.

References & sources