Qusai Omar al-Walaji

Their life

Qusai Omar al-Walaji was a 16-year-old Palestinian boy from Jericho, in the eastern West Bank. He was shot and killed by Israeli forces on August 15, 2023, during a pre-dawn military raid on the Aqabat Jaber refugee camp. Qusai was critically wounded by live fire and died shortly after being taken to Jericho Governmental Hospital. He was mourned by his family and community, with funeral prayers held at the Old Jericho Mosque before his burial.

Qusai Omar al-Walaji was a 16-year-old Palestinian boy from Jericho, a city in the eastern part of the occupied West Bank. On August 15, 2023, he was shot and killed by Israeli forces during a pre-dawn military incursion into the Aqabat Jaber refugee camp, located just south of Jericho. The Israeli army stormed the camp under unclear circumstances, prompting local youths to protest the invasion. During the raid, soldiers opened fire with live ammunition, critically injuring Qusai and another young man, Muhammad Ribhi Nujoom, 25. Both were rushed to the Jericho Governmental Hospital in critical condition and were pronounced dead shortly after arrival. Despite no confirmed reports of armed resistance, videos on social media showed an exchange of fire between some resistance fighters and the invading troops. Qusai’s death was mourned by his community in Jericho. His body was brought to his family home in the Katt al-Wad neighborhood, where loved ones paid their respects. The funeral prayer was held at the Old Je

How they died

Shot with live ammunition by Israeli soldiers during a military raid

Qusai Omar al-Walaji died from gunshot wounds inflicted by Israeli soldiers during a military raid before dawn on August 15, 2023. The raid took place in the Aqabat Jaber refugee camp, just south of Jericho in the northeastern West Bank. Israeli forces stormed the camp, and according to reports, local youths were protesting the incursion. During the operation, soldiers opened fire with live ammunition. Qusai was critically injured and transported to Jericho Governmental Hospital, where he was pronounced dead shortly after arrival. While there were no confirmed reports of armed resistance by Palestinian fighters during the raid, videos circulating on social media showed exchanges of fire between resistance fighters and the Israeli military. Qusai’s death is part of a broader pattern of lethal violence during Israeli military operations in Palestinian areas, where live rounds are frequently used against civilians, including minors.

Why we remember them

This record exists so that Qusai Omar al-Walaji, and all who are named in this archive, are never reduced to a number.

References & sources