Ala’ Mohammad Shaham
Shot in the head with live ammunition by Israeli forces.
On the morning of March 15, 2022, Ala’ Mohammad Shaham was killed when Israeli soldiers raided Qalandia refugee camp, north of Jerusalem in the occupied West Bank. As troops invaded from multiple directions, Israeli snipers positioned themselves on rooftops and began firing live ammunition. Ala’, who was not involved in any protest or resistance, was reportedly on his way to work when he was shot multiple times, including a fatal bullet to the head. He died instantly at the scene. According to eyewitnesses and investigations by the Palestinian Center for Human Rights (PCHR), the shooting was unprovoked and targeted. Six other civilians were injured during the raid. The incident was part of a broader pattern of systematic Israeli military violence against Palestinian civilians, often carried out without accountability.
Biography
Ala’ Mohammad Shaham was a 22-year-old Palestinian man from Qalandia refugee camp in the central West Bank. He was a hardworking and compassionate individual, deeply loved by his family, especially as the youngest of three children. On March 15, 2022, Ala’ was fatally shot in the head by Israeli forces during a military raid on the refugee camp. He was not involved in any protest or confrontation at the time; he was simply on his way to work in the nearby town of al-Ram. His sudden and unjust killing devastated his family and became one of the many examples of civilian casualties caused by Israel’s military operations in the occupied Palestinian territories.
Ala’ Mohammad Shaham, a 22-year-old Palestinian from Qalandia refugee camp near occupied Jerusalem, lived a humble life defined by dedication to his work and love for his family. As the youngest of three children, he was especially cherished by his parents, who described him as a gentle, helpful, and hardworking young man. On the morning of March 15, 2022, Ala’ left his home early, heading toward his job in the nearby town of al-Ram. Around the same time, Israeli forces launched a large-scale incursion into Qalandia camp, positioning snipers on rooftops, raiding homes, and abducting residents. Although Ala’ was not part of any protest, and eyewitnesses confirmed he posed no threat, he was shot multiple times, including a fatal shot to the head. He died instantly, while six others were wounded and two men were abducted. His death reflects the broader pattern of Israeli military violence in the West Bank, where the use of live ammunition and deadly force against civilians is routine and rarely results in accountability. Ala’s father, speaking with brokenness and faith, said, “He was the youngest of my three children… always helped us… may his soul rest in peace.” His killing added to the grim toll of Palestinian civilian deaths in 2022, and his memory remains a painful symbol of life cut short by occupation.
Pleas of Surviving Relatives and Family if any
His father, Mohammad, shared a heartfelt statement:
“He was the youngest of my three children. He loved his work and was a very compassionate, loving young man who always helped his family and his friends… What can I say, thank God for everything, may his soul rest in peace.”
Sources & References
Ala’ Mohammad Shaham, 22, was shot and killed by Israeli forces in the Qalandia refugee camp, north of occupied Jerusalem in the West Bank, according to the Palestinian Ministry of Health. The Ministry added that the young man, identified as Ala’ Mohammad Shaham, 22, was shot with live rounds in the head and died instantly. Soldiers also shot and injured six other young men with live rounds, who were all transferred to the Palestine Medical Complex in Ramallah.1 israelpalestinetimeline.org Open source