Gaza mother recognises missing son on Israeli ‘for sale’ post
Al Jazeera
February 26, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
A mother from Gaza has identified her missing son, Mohammed Sharab, in a shocking online post shared by Israeli soldiers. The post included images of Sharab shackled and blindfolded, with a caption listing him as “for sale.” The mother’s recognition of her son has sparked outrage and raised serious concerns about the actions of the Israeli military.
The incident occurred after Mohammed Sharab went missing earlier this month. His family had been searching for him, unaware of his whereabouts until they came across the viral social media post. The soldiers who shared the content claimed it was meant as a “joke,” but the graphic imagery and tone of the post deeply troubled many observers.
This disturbing development has drawn criticism from human rights organizations and international observers. Critics argue that such actions by military personnel, even if not officially sanctioned, reflect a broader pattern of dehumanization and abuse in the region. The Israeli military has denied involvement in the post, but questions remain about the extent of oversight over soldiers’ online activities.
The case highlights the growing use of social media as a tool for propaganda and intimidation in conflicts, particularly in regions like Gaza where tensions are already high. It also underscores the challenges faced by families caught in the middle of ongoing violence and political instability.
Ultimately, this story serves as a stark reminder of the human cost of war and the need for accountability in military operations. The international community is closely monitoring the situation to ensure that those responsible for such acts are held to account.
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Originally published on Al Jazeera on 2/26/2026