Muhammed Bhar, a 24-year-old with Down syndrome, became a tragic symbol of the brutality that is being inflicted by the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) on Palestinian civilians. As IDF soldiers stormed their home in a military operation, Muhammed and his family found themselves trapped amidst chaos and violence.
Desperate to protect Muhammed, his mother Nabila Ahmed Bhar pleaded with the soldiers to spare her son, explaining his severe disabilities. Despite her pleas, Muhammed was brutally attacked by a military dog, leaving him severely wounded and in agony.
“We could hear Muhammed screaming in pain,” Nabila recalled. “He was defenseless, unable to comprehend the danger he was in.” Separated from his family, Muhammed was locked in a room while his loved ones were forcibly expelled from their home.
For seven agonizing days, Nabila and her family endured uncertainty, desperately seeking information about Muhammed’s condition and pleading for help from humanitarian organizations. Their efforts to secure medical assistance through the Red Cross were met with frustration as Israeli authorities refused cooperation, leaving Muhammed without the care he urgently needed.
When the family finally returned to their home, Muhammed’s decomposing body lay in a room, his face eaten by worms, a stark testament to the cruelty he had endured in his final days.
“He deserved dignity and care,” Jebril Bhar, Muhammed’s older brother, lamented. “Instead, he was left alone to suffer and die.”
The family’s attempts to give Muhammed a proper burial were hindered by the ongoing conflict, forcing them to lay him to rest near their home under dire circumstances. The pain of their loss was compounded by the injustice of Muhammed’s treatment and the absence of accountability for those responsible.
BBC Misrepresentation and Outrage
The tragedy of Muhammed Bhar’s death was further compounded by the initial media coverage, which drew criticism for its inadequate portrayal of the circumstances surrounding his killing. The BBC’s reporting, in particular, sparked outrage for its initial headline that appeared to downplay the severity of Muhammed’s death and the responsibility of the IDF. Critics and activists condemned the BBC for not highlighting the brutality inflicted on Muhammed and the broader implications for civilians in conflict zones.
Read More: Government Prepares to Drop Another Bomb: Petrol Price Increase
Social media erupted with calls for justice and accountability, forcing revisions to the BBC’s reporting to accurately reflect the gravity of Muhammed’s ordeal. Activists emphasized the importance of truthful and responsible reporting in ensuring that such tragedies are not overlooked or misrepresented in the media.
Demand for Justice
As international scrutiny intensifies, advocates and organizations continue to demand accountability for Muhammed’s death and call for measures to protect civilians from IDF’s brutality.
“Muhammed’s death should not be in vain,” Nabila Ahmed Bhar declared. “We demand justice for Muhammed and for all innocent lives lost in conflicts around the world.”