Mazen Mohammed Al-Barawi Al-Tatar is one of the sons of Gaza who fought the battle of life under Israeli occupation, enduring many hardships for the sake of the Palestinian cause. Through these lines, we shed light on the life of this committed and self-sacrificing man, who was raised in Gaza City and faced challenges with courage and steadfastness.
Early Life and Beginnings
Mazen was born in 1973 in Gaza City, where he grew up in an environment that has always embodied resilience and sacrifice. At the age of fourteen, he was in a car accident that nearly ended his life. Surviving by what he considered a miracle, this incident became a turning point, marking the beginning of a new phase filled with determination and perseverance.
Education and Career Path
As a young man, Mazen was deeply committed both religiously and nationally, loving his faith and his homeland. He was driven by a strong will to serve the Palestinian cause. Step by step, he pursued an educational and professional path that reflected his ambition: first earning a diploma in architectural engineering, then completing a bachelor’s degree in Islamic studies at Al-Ummah College.
Mazen later worked at the Ministry of Justice as a clerk, dedicating his time and effort to serving his country. Through his work, he continuously sought to do good for society. At the same time, he never gave up on his greater dream: to play a significant role in serving the causes of the Muslim community.
Family and Legacy
Mazen’s family was another example of devotion and sacrifice. His children followed in their parents’ footsteps of excellence and creativity. His son Mohammed (may he rest in peace) graduated in the field of mechatronic engineering, while his son Ibrahim (may he rest in peace as well) taught himself programming online and, before even reaching the tenth grade, was able to design mobile applications and software.
Life Amid War and Displacement
At one stage of his life, Mazen moved from Gaza City to the Maghazi area, where he became closely involved with a nearby mosque. He devoted much of his time to serving the mosque and the local community, volunteering his efforts to spread religious awareness and support his neighbors in any way he could.
When war broke out, Mazen and his family found themselves at the heart of the conflict. After the Israeli ground invasion, they were forced to move to the Nuseirat area, staying at the Malaysian School, where they endured suffocating siege conditions. Despite the hardships, Mazen silently bore the pain while doing everything in his power to protect his children and family from the horrors of war.
Unforgettable Tragedies
During those difficult days, Mazen lived through the worst moments of his life. His son Ibrahim was killed by a drone strike while trying to rescue a relative who had been targeted. His other son Mohammed attempted to save him, but Mazen stopped him, telling him he would go instead. In a tragic twist, Mohammed took his own jacket and went to honor the body of his brother away from the eyes of the occupation. Israeli snipers were waiting; they shot him, and he was martyred before his father’s eyes.
These moments were among the most painful of Mazen’s life, losing both of his sons within minutes. Despite the immense grief, his spirit did not break.
Arrest by the Occupation
On January 10, 2024, Israeli forces entered the Nuseirat area and arrested Mazen. Searches for him went on continuously, with no clear results, until September 10, 2025, when his location was finally confirmed in Nafha Prison after ten months of uncertainty and suffering.
Despite repeated attempts to reach him through human rights organizations such as HaMoked, Al-Mezan, and Human Rights groups, contact remained extremely difficult. It was confirmed that his health was relatively stable despite contracting scabies, but he continued to endure harsh prison conditions.
Harsh Prison Conditions
In Nafha Prison, Mazen has faced unimaginable psychological and physical hardship. He has no access to Qur’ans or religious materials, severely affecting his mental state. He has not been presented before any court, nor given a trial. Instead, he has been classified simply as an “unlawful combatant,” a label routinely imposed on prisoners from Gaza, stripping them of basic human rights.
His lawyer has attempted to contact him, but Israeli authorities categorically prohibit any lawyer from Gaza from visiting detainees. This has only deepened his suffering.
Conclusion
Mazen Mohammed Al-Barawi Al-Tatar is a symbol of Palestinian resilience in the face of occupation. From his childhood in Gaza to his arrest, he has been and remains an example of sacrifice and steadfast will. Neither wars, nor hardship, nor the loss of his beloved children could shake him; instead, they only strengthened his determination and refusal to surrender to injustice. Even within the severe conditions of prison, Mazen lives on as an undying dream in the hearts of Palestinians—a symbol of heroism and resistance against oppression.
