Amer Qawas: A Profile of the Perpetrator Behind the Dead Sea Operation
Amer Qawas, a Jordanian citizen of Palestinian descent, was born in 1997 and raised in Amman, Jordan. He became known for his involvement in a shooting operation against Israeli forces on October 18, 2024, which resulted in the injury of two Israeli soldiers before Qawas and his companion were killed by the Israeli army. His background reflects a deep commitment to religious and national ideals, as well as a strong affiliation with the Palestinian cause.
Early Life and Ideological Orientation
Raised in the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, Qawas hailed from a family originally from Nablus in the West Bank. He was noted for his role in Quran memorization centers and was an active member of his community. His father mentioned that Amer often discussed the concept of martyrdom and expressed anger over the violence in Gaza, indicating his strong emotional ties to the Palestinian struggle. Qawas married Shaza Al-Balbisi in 2022, and they welcomed their son during the Gaza conflict in 2023.
Education and Career
Qawas's educational journey included attending Dar Al-Arqam Private Preparatory School and briefly studying mathematics at the University of Science and Technology. He later pursued a diploma in Shafi’i jurisprudence, culminating in a bachelor's degree in the same field from the University of Islamic Sciences. His professional experience included roles as an educational supervisor, imam, and teacher of Islamic education, along with a position as Public Relations Officer for a relief organization before moving into sales.
Final Will and Engagement in Violence
In a poignant social media post, Qawas expressed frustration over what he perceived as the inaction of his fellow Jordanians regarding the plight of Palestinians. He called for action, challenging the notion that divine intervention would prompt individuals to engage in jihad. On the day of the operation, Qawas and his companion, Hussam Abu Ghazaleh, crossed into Israel from Jordan, leading to a confrontation with Israeli forces near the Dead Sea. The Israeli military confirmed the operation, stating that two soldiers were injured and that Qawas and Abu Ghazaleh were neutralized during the clash. A Jordanian military source clarified that the individuals involved did not belong to Jordan's armed forces, and their uniforms were not recognized as official.
The events surrounding Amer Qawas's life and actions highlight the complexities of the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the deeply rooted sentiments that drive individuals to take extreme measures.
