To help his family prepare dinner, 14-year-old Anas al-Sayed went out one evening in northern Gaza to collect firewood.
After reaching an area close to where Israeli forces were stationed, the Palestinian boy disappeared.
Around 10 months later, his family still does not know his whereabouts.
“At around 4 pm on 24 June 2025, Anas left the damaged home we had taken refuge in at Shati refugee camp in north-western Gaza City to bring back firewood for cooking,” his mother, Naima al-Sayed, told Middle East Eye. “He never came back.”
She said he had gone with his cousin, who also needed firewood for his family. Hours later, the boy returned alone.
