Kathmandu— Sixteen years after Ziad Jilani’s death, his wife Moira still anticipates his return home in occupied East Jerusalem; she is one of many Palestinian families who have lost loved ones due to violence perpetrated by Israeli settlers or forces and are now battling for justice and recognition. These families recount stories of loss compounded by accusations against their relatives, a lack of legal recourse, and a political climate that often favors the perpetrators over the victims, particularly as settler attacks intensify in the occupied West Bank.

Echoes Of Loss And False Accusations

Moira Jilani remembers her husband Ziad’s laughter, not the video footage circulated after his death or the label of “terrorist” applied by Israeli police. On June 11, 2010, Ziad was shot while driving home through Wadi al-Joz amidst clashes between Israeli forces and Palestinian youths; an investigation claimed the officer who killed him had previously posted online about wanting to kill Arabs, but the case was closed due to lack of evidence. Moira now fears searching for her husband’s name online, fearing the spread of misinformation. She asserts that it is Palestinians who are terrorized, not terrorists.

A Cycle Of Revenge And Impunity

Hussein Abu Khdeir recalls his son Mohammed singing and dancing before being abducted and burned alive in July 2014 by three Israeli men seeking revenge for the killing of three Israeli teenagers. The perpetrators received life sentences, but a recent letter signed by 55 Israeli lawmakers calling for their pardon has deepened Hussein’s sense of injustice. He questions why his son is not considered a victim of terrorism when the attackers admitted to being motivated by terror. Other cases highlighted include Ahmed Erekat, Iyad Hallaq, Awdah Hathaleen, and Shireen Abu Akleh – all Palestinians killed in circumstances where accountability remains elusive.

Systemic Failure To Provide Justice

A study by Yesh Din reveals a stark reality: only 3 percent of Israeli settlers investigated for crimes against Palestinians between 2005 and 2024 were convicted, with the vast majority of investigations closed without indictment. B’Tselem spokesperson Yair Dvir describes Israel’s legal system as a “whitewashing mechanism” designed to shield perpetrators and avoid genuine accountability. Tahseen Elayyan, deputy director of Al-Haq, explains that labeling Palestinians as “terrorists” is a tactic used to deny them protections under international law.

Living With The Weight Of Remembrance

Families continue to grapple with their loss and fight for recognition. Hussein Abu Khdeir annually carries his son Mohammed’s photograph from his home to his grave, reliving the pain of his death. Moira Jilani shares stories of Ziad with her daughters to keep his memory alive and has found solace in Parents Circle, a group bringing together bereaved Palestinian and Israeli families. Despite the passage of time, both parents emphasize that their loved ones were victims of injustice and deserve to be remembered as such.

As settler attacks and arson incidents increase in the occupied West Bank, human rights groups continue to call for accountability and an end to Israel’s two-tiered system of justice, while families like those of Ziad Jilani and Mohammed Abu Khdeir remain steadfast in their pursuit of truth and recognition.

(With inputs from Al Jazeera)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.