Husam Asayra

Their life

Husam Asayra, 20, was a young Palestinian from Asira al-Qibliya village, near Nablus, in the northern West Bank. He was among the many Palestinian youths who took part in protests against the Israeli military invasion of his village on May 14, 2021. Husam’s life was cut short when he was struck with live ammunition fired by Israeli forces during the demonstrations. Despite being rushed to a hospital in Nablus, he succumbed to his wounds. His death came on a day of widespread bloodshed across the West Bank, where nine Palestinians were killed and hundreds injured, as the population rose in anger and grief over Israel’s escalating military campaign in the Gaza Strip.

Born and raised in Asira al-Qibliya, near the city of Nablus, Husam Asayra was a young man of only 20 years, just beginning his adult life when it was violently taken from him. On May 14, 2021, he joined many others in his village who gathered to protest against an Israeli military incursion. The protests erupted in response to Israel’s escalating bombardment of Gaza, which on that day alone killed 39 Palestinians, including women and children. In the West Bank, villages including Asira al-Qibliya, Orif, Salem, and other areas around Nablus faced simultaneous invasions by the Israeli army, joined in some cases by armed settlers from the illegal Yitzhar settlement. Confrontations spread across the West Bank, resulting in the deaths of nine Palestinians that day. Husam was shot in the chest with live fire by Israeli soldiers during these clashes. Despite being transferred to a hospital in Nablus, his injuries proved fatal. His death is remembered as part of the heavy toll inflicted upon Palestinian youth who rose up in defense of their homes and communities during those days of intense violence.

How they died

Husam Asayra died after being shot in the chest with a live round fired by Israeli soldiers during protests in Asira al-Qibliya.

The cause of death was a fatal gunshot wound to the chest. During the Israeli army’s invasion of Asira al-Qibliya, soldiers opened fire on Palestinian residents who had taken to the streets in protest. Live ammunition, along with rubber-coated steel bullets, gas bombs, and concussion grenades, was used against the crowd. Husam was struck in the chest with live fire, resulting in severe injuries. Despite efforts by medical teams to save him after he was transported to a hospital in Nablus, he succumbed to his wounds. His killing reflected the lethal use of force by Israeli forces during the widespread West Bank protests of May 14, 2021.

Why we remember them

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

References & sources