Nizar Nidal Ma’rouf Abu Zeina

Their life

Nizar Nidal Ma’rouf Abu Zeina, 22, was a young construction worker from the Shweika neighborhood of Tulkarem in the northern West Bank. On May 14, 2021, while taking part in protests against Israeli military actions in Gaza and ongoing violations in Jerusalem, he was shot in the chest by Israeli soldiers. Despite being rushed to Thabet Thabet Hospital in Tulkarem, he succumbed to his wounds shortly after. His killing came amid a wave of violence across the West Bank, where nine Palestinians were killed that day and hundreds injured.

Born and raised in the Shweika area of Tulkarem, Nizar Nidal Ma’rouf Abu Zeina worked as a construction laborer, helping support his family through difficult economic and social conditions under occupation. Like many young Palestinians, he joined others in Tulkarem on May 14, 2021, to protest against the ongoing Israeli bombardment of Gaza, which killed dozens of civilians, including women and children, as well as the constant violations against Palestinians in Jerusalem. During the protests, Israeli forces positioned sharpshooters between trees and buildings before opening fire on demonstrators. Nizar was struck by a live round in the chest, suffering catastrophic injuries. Despite being rushed to Thabet Thabet Hospital, doctors were unable to save him. His death came on a day marked by widespread bloodshed across the West Bank, where at least nine Palestinians were killed and more than 500 injured, reflecting the brutal suppression of Palestinian voices during that period of escalation.

How they died

Nizar was killed by a live bullet fired by Israeli soldiers, which struck him in the chest.

On May 14, 2021, protests spread across Tulkarem and other parts of the West Bank in response to Israeli attacks on Gaza and ongoing violations in Jerusalem. Israeli soldiers opened live fire on demonstrators, using excessive and lethal force. Nizar was hit by a live round directly in the chest, causing severe internal injuries and bleeding. Emergency responders transported him to Thabet Thabet Hospital in Tulkarem, where doctors tried to save his life. Despite their efforts, his wound proved fatal, and he was pronounced dead. His killing was part of a broader pattern of live ammunition being used against Palestinian civilians during demonstrations.

Why we remember them

This record exists so that Nizar Nidal Ma’rouf Abu Zeina, and all who are named in this archive, are never reduced to a number.

References & sources