Ahed Ataf Ahed Baker

Location Gaza

9-year-old Ahed from Al Shate’e refugee camp in Gaza was the first grandchild of his family. He was very close to his uncle Zakaria who was as old as he was. They often studied and played together. They even bought similar clothes. Generally, He preferred to stay home watching TV rather than going out. His grandfather encouraged him to study harder. He liked swimming in the sea because his father was a fisherman. “They are a big loss for us (A'ahed and Zakaria), we were hoping that one day they would graduate and have a better life,” said his grandfather.

On 16 July 2014, five cousins of the Baker family went to Gaza’s beach to play football. Israeli forces targeted them. Some of them were instantly killed and others were injured and tried to run away. A second, followed by a third attack ensued by Israeli forces. Four of the kids were immediately killed, including A'ahed. One was seriously injured, his name was Mo'atasem.