Wael Mesheh, a 17-year-old from the Balata refugee camp in the West Bank, was killed by an Israeli drone in August 2024. Before his death, Wael had dreams of becoming a computer programmer. But constant Israeli military raids and the deaths of close relatives changed his path. He saw life and death as equal and chose to fight for Palestinian freedom, seeing himself as a “martyr.” His father, Belal Mesheh, told Al Jazeera, “What our family was suffering planted this desire inside him: He always knew he wanted to fight and see his country without occupation.” Wael’s journey included imprisonment for throwing stones at Israeli soldiers, torture during jail time, and eventual release in a prisoner swap in November 2023. After release, he joined Hamas’s Qassam Brigades and was killed near his home. Life in refugee camps like Balata is harsh. These camps, crammed with thousands of people, face severe poverty, overcrowding, and frequent Israeli military actions. Psychologists say young residents live with continuous trauma and few safe places to play or hope to escape hardship. Many find meaning in resistance and martyrdom, seen as a holy act and a symbol of faith and sacrifice. Nisreen Bsharat, a psychologist in Nablus, explained martyrdom is seen as a “heroic contribution to Palestine.” She said, “Those who fight against Israel are role models in refugee camps, where opportunities are few.” Clinical psychologist Amanda Manasra described a widespread presence of untreated trauma called complex post-traumatic stress disorder, stronger in camps than elsewhere. Wael’s father shared his pain, saying, “I didn’t get the chance to see Wael growing up or spend time with him as all other fathers do.” Wael was deeply affected by the violence he witnessed, including raids and beatings at places like Al-Aqsa Mosque. His mother Hanadi described the torture marks on Wael’s body after prison. The Balata camp, home to about 33,000 people packed into a quarter square kilometre, has seen dozens killed in Israeli strikes since tensions rose in 2024. On August 15, Wael and others faced an Israeli incursion and were hit by a drone attack that killed him instantly. Despite the pain, families like Wael’s honor their lost loved ones as martyrs. Belal said, “He was a role model even for me. I bid him farewell with complete serenity – I know God will accept him as a martyr.” The story highlights the ongoing cycle of trauma, resistance, and loss faced by Palestinian youth in harsh refugee camp conditions.