Qasem Hamed Fayeq Elwan

Location Gaza

Three-year-old Qasem from Gaza City was named by his mother. He was a sociable and open child. He spent most of his time playing football and riding bicycles. He was very enthusiastic about going to kindergarten. His best friend was his brother Emad (7); they played together and slept together. “He used to rush into my arms after returning back home from being outside of the house,” said his mother (33).

At 7:30 pm on 18 July 2014, while Qasem and his siblings were getting ready to go to the nearby grocery store to buy some candies, an Israeli shell hit the house. No prior warning was given. The shell triggered a huge explosion and caused massive destruction. Qasem and his brother Emad were killed instantly. Qasem’s body was scattered under the rubble.