As part of the ongoing efforts by the Palestinian Center for the Missing and Forcibly Disappeared (PCMFD) to document cases of loss and enforced disappearance in the Gaza Strip, the Center documents the disappearance of citizen Maysara Bassam Al-Ajouri, as one of the cases bearing indicators of arbitrary detention and enforced disappearance by the Israeli occupation forces.
According to information and data documented by the Center, and under the direct authorization granted by the missing person’s family to the Center, citizen Maysara Bassam Al-Ajouri—aged 30 at the time of the incident (born on September 11, 1993), a barber by profession, residing on Al-Nazla Street in Jabalia, North Gaza Governorate—went missing on December 22, 2023.
Details of the Incident and Circumstances of Disappearance
According to available documentation, Maysara Al-Ajouri left his family home on December 22, 2023, heading to his main residence on Al-Nazla Street in Jabalia to retrieve personal belongings and supplies. During that time, Israeli occupation forces invaded the area and imposed a strict military siege.
Due to the ongoing military escalation, the family was forced to evacuate toward western Gaza City, while all communication with Maysara was lost due to the complete blackout of telecommunications and internet networks in the area. Approximately 15 days after the incident, the family returned to the area only to find the house bombed and destroyed. No trace of Maysara was found among the victims, and no information could be obtained confirming his fate or whereabouts. It is noted that Maysara was not carrying identification documents or a mobile phone at the time of his disappearance.
Search Efforts, Follow-up, and Actions Taken
Following his disappearance, the family of Maysara Al-Ajouri pursued all available avenues to search for him and determine his whereabouts. They submitted official inquiries and reports to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), Addameer Association for Prisoner Support and Human Rights, and the Center for the Defense of the Individual (HaMoked). However, responses from all human rights organizations indicated that no information was recorded about him, and Israeli authorities denied having his name listed in official prison registers or detainee records.
Based on the direct authorization provided by the family, the Palestinian Center for the Missing and Forcibly Disappeared (PCMFD) submitted an urgent formal communication to the UN Working Group on Enforced or Involuntary Disappearances (WGEID) in Geneva on March 28, 2026, urging UN mechanisms to exert serious international pressure on Israeli authorities to investigate the circumstances of his disappearance, immediately disclose his whereabouts and fate, and end the policy of concealment surrounding his case.
Unknown Fate and Urgent Appeal
To date, citizen Maysara Al-Ajouri remains forcibly disappeared. His family and the Center urgently appeal to all human rights organizations, international bodies, and relevant UN committees to intervene immediately and pressure the Israeli authorities to fulfill their legal obligations, disclose his place of detention, and guarantee his protection and rights as a detainee. This case reflects the systematic policy of enforced disappearance against civilians, requiring firm international action to end the policy of denial and guarantee the family’s fundamental right to know the fate of their son.
