On March 22, 2026, Mohammad Abu Nassar (the grand-father of baby Jawad) received an urgent call that his son, Osama, was heading east toward the so-called “yellow line,” a deadly zone marked by Israeli forces. Unable to reach him, the father watched as Osama walked unsteadily, carrying his infant son Jawad, seemingly unaware of the danger.

Family members said Osama had suffered severe psychological distress in recent weeks after an Israeli strike killed his horse, his only source of income. His behavior had grown erratic, though that morning he appeared calm and told his mother he was taking Jawad out for sweets—then veered toward the exposed eastern zone where gunfire erupted.

Shots did not initially stop him. A drone later issued orders through a loudspeaker. Reportedly wounded in the shoulder, Osama stopped, placed Jawad on the ground, removed his clothes, and approached Israeli forces, leaving the child behind. Both then disappeared from view.

Hours later, the International Committee of the Red Cross called the family: Jawad would be returned, and Osama had been injured. The grandfather retrieved the child, noticing blood on his clothing from the wounded father.

At home, Jawad cried continuously. Medical exams revealed leg injuries, burns, and a deep puncture wound. Doctors at Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital said these were likely caused by deliberate abuse, not shrapnel or gunfire. The family believes the child was abused to pressure his father, despite Osama’s fragile mental state.

Since his return, Jawad suffers persistent pain, insomnia, severe crying, fever, and vomiting. His mother stays by his side, offering basic care while awaiting improvement. Osama’s fate remains unknown.

Testimony published by Palestinian Human Right NOF Al Haq:

Testimony by: Wa'ad Hani Mohammad Al-Shafie Child's name: Jawad Osama Mohammad Abu Nassar (1 year and 10 months old) Father (detained): Osama Mohammad Hosni Abu Nassar, 25 years old Date of incident: March 19, 2026, at around 10:00 a.m.

"My husband, Osama Abu Nassar, 25, went to buy some necessities for our only son, Jawad, who is 1 year and 10 months old, from a place near our home located east of Al-Maghazi camp.

My husband Osama had begun suffering from psychological distress about two weeks ago due to the severe mental strain caused by the conditions and horrors of the war in Gaza, as well as the shortage of food and basic necessities.

As a result, Osama headed east toward the 'yellow line,' about 500 meters from our home, toward areas controlled by the occupation forces, while carrying our young son Jawad.

During this time, soldiers stationed behind the yellow line opened fire at Osama while he was carrying our son. I heard the sound of gunfire. Then a small quadcopter drone surrounded him and ordered him via loudspeaker to remove all his clothes except his underwear. This was confirmed by witnesses from among our neighbors and local residents. They also ordered him to strip our young child. About four soldiers then arrived, surrounded him at gunpoint, and ordered him to place our son Jawad on the ground and move toward them.

After that, Osama was detained and interrogated on the spot. During the interrogation, the soldiers pressured him by torturing our young son Jawad, including burning his body with cigarette butts, especially on his legs, and piercing his legs with a sharp object. This was confirmed to us by doctors at Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital in Deir al-Balah, after our child was released and handed over to us by representatives of the Red Cross, about 10 hours after his detention. The Red Cross representatives informed us that my husband Osama had been detained and that they have not been able to visit him so far.

Our son Jawad still suffers from severe pain and scarring on his legs as a result of the torture inflicted on him. Our family has no information so far about my husband Osama, who remains detained."

— Wa'ad Hani Mohammad Al-Shafie, mother of Jawad Osama Mohammad Abu Nassar

Dr. Ahmed testimony:

“I observed multiple deep uniform lesions on his lower body, which are clinically consistent with deliberate cigarette burns used as a form of physical torture,” Dr. Bisan Ahmed, who conducted the examination of Jawad, told Sky News.

Israel spin:

Israel denied the claims, suggesting to Sky News that the child may have suffered light injuries in the gunfire they claimed was directed towards the father and son in an attempt to get them to turn around. They also claimed Osama confessed to being a member of Hamas, and ridiculously said he was using his son as a “human shield.”

Osama remains in Israeli custody.