Even after funeral rites, Gaza family learns son is alive in Israeli prison

Gaza: A family in Gaza that had believed their son was dead and had even conducted his funeral rites has now received unexpected relief.

Information has emerged that 25-year-old Eid Nayel Abu Shar, who went missing one-and-a-half years ago, is alive and being held in Israel’s Ofer prison. Ten months ago, the family had performed his post-death rituals and even obtained a death certificate from the authorities.

Eid disappeared on December 15, 2024, near the Netzarim Corridor in Gaza while he had gone in search of work. His father, Nayel Abu Shar, searched for him in hospitals and morgues across Gaza.

The family later approached the Red Cross and human rights organisations, but no information was found. Eventually, believing that Eid had been killed, the family proceeded with the funeral ceremonies.

Even when others urged the family to hold funeral prayers for Eid, his mother, Maha Abu Shar, refused. She reportedly said her heart told her that her son was still alive. It was only after a recently released prisoner provided a clue that a lawyer investigated further and confirmed Eid’s presence in prison.

After hearing the news that their son was alive, the family distributed sweets among neighbours in Gaza. However, Maha remains deeply worried about the torture and suffering her son may be enduring inside Israeli prisons. Through tears, she said her happiness would not be complete until she could hold him in her arms again.

While Eid’s survival has become a moment of celebration for his family, thousands of Palestinian families whose loved ones disappeared into Israeli prisons continue to suffer in uncertainty.

Reports estimate that around 7,000 people have gone missing during the war. Human rights activists have accused Israel of deliberately withholding information about detainees in violation of international law, describing it as a form of psychological torture inflicted on families.