On Saturday, September 30, 2000, Jamal Al-Durrah took his son, Muhammad Al-Durrah, to a used car auction in downtown Gaza City. Little did they know that this innocent outing would become a tragic chapter in the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The day marked the second day of the start of the Second Intifada (2000–2005), triggered by the visit of Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon to Temple Mount in East Jerusalem on September 28, 2000. The visit, guarded by 2000 Israeli police personnel, sparked unrest in the West Bank and Gaza, leading to a series of unfortunate events.
Unable to find a suitable car at the auction, Jamal and Muhammad decided to return home by taxi. However, the escalating tensions made the taxi driver reluctant to take risks, forcing them to continue their journey on foot. As they reached the Netzarim intersection, gunfire erupted, signaling the beginning of a battle in the area.
Terrified, Jamal and Muhammad sought refuge behind a 70-cm concrete water barrel on the sidewalk, positioned between an Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) military post and a Palestinian fighter’s position. For approximately 45 minutes, they remained trapped, unable to find safer shelter. Desperately, Jamal shielded his frightened son from the hail of bullets. Despite Jamal’s attempts to signal the IDF to cease fire, the shooting continued.
In a video captured by Palestinian photographer Talal Abu Rahma, an explosion occurred near them, enveloping Muhammad in smoke. Tragically, Muhammad lay lifeless in his father’s arms against the concrete wall. The horrifying incident left Jamal injured, and they were eventually evacuated to a hospital amid difficulties in reaching the Netzarim intersection due to the ongoing conflict.
Muhammad Al-Durrah became a symbol of the brutality faced by Palestinian civilians during the Second Intifada, as the incident gained global attention through the 27-minute video recorded by Talal Abu Rahma.
The aftermath of the incident brought forth conflicting narratives. France 2, the broadcaster that aired the video, faced accusations of selective editing, and the authenticity of the events was questioned. Israel initially apologized for the tragedy but later cast doubt on the IDF’s responsibility for Muhammad’s death.
A series of investigations ensued, with the IDF conducting its own inquiry. However, doubts arose regarding the objectivity of the investigation, as evidence at the Netzarim intersection was allegedly tampered with, raising questions about the validity of the IDF’s findings.
The controversy continued with conflicting statements from various parties, including a doctor claiming Jamal’s wounds were from a previous incident, subsequent legal battles, and the withdrawal of apologies by Israel.
Philippe Karsenty, founder of Media Ratings, contested the video’s authenticity, leading to legal battles with France 2 and its correspondent, Charles Enderlin. The legal dispute continued for years, further muddying the waters surrounding Muhammad Al-Durrah’s tragic death.
The case of Muhammad Al-Durrah remains a contentious and tragic episode in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The conflicting narratives, doubts about investigations, and legal battles have left the truth obscured and continue to fuel debates about accountability and justice. Regardless of the controversies, Muhammad Al-Durrah’s story serves as a poignant reminder of the human cost of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
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