A popular social media blogger documenting life in Gaza has tragically lost his life in a recent airstrike.
Mohammad ‘Medo’ Halimy, just 20 years old, was reportedly struck by shrapnel from an Israeli missile blast in Khan Younis on Monday, as confirmed by local youth organizations he collaborated with.
The Tamer Institute for Community Education stated that Halimy was in a location near the beach where many displaced individuals sought shelter when he was fatally injured.
Israel’s Defense Forces reported they could not verify any specific strike in Khan Younis on that date but emphasized their commitment to countering threats while attempting to minimize civilian harm in Gaza.
Halimy gained significant attention on social media after his family was forced to evacuate their home due to escalating military operations in Gaza following the attacks on October 7.
His audience grew to over 250,000 followers across various platforms as he shared videos showcasing his experiences as a displaced resident in Rafah and Khan Younis.
His content varied from simple cooking tutorials with limited resources to behind-the-scenes glimpses of his creative process. Halimy once shared that each video he produced cost him approximately $3, a considerable amount in Gaza.
His final video was posted mere hours before his death, where he showcased the makeshift tent he called home and recounted his day’s activities.
Organizations that confirmed his passing reported that the fatal incident occurred on a nearby street, and Halimy succumbed to injuries caused by flying debris the following day.
A charity in Gaza, where Halimy had volunteered earlier this year, praised him posthumously, acknowledging his unique ability to bring beauty to challenging circumstances.
“Your kind spirit will remain with us, and we believe you deserve a better world,” they stated in a tribute.
In a heartfelt message shared online, Halimy’s sister expressed her grief, hoping for solace and peace for her brother, whom she honored as a martyr.
Earlier in the year, Halimy expressed hopes that his content would convey to the world the realities of life in Gaza.
“I’m showcasing the resilience of Palestinians,” he noted in an interview. “We’ll survive and live no matter our circumstances. We can’t be defeated. We are a strong people.”
Israel’s military actions in Gaza were launched as a response to a significant attack by Hamas on October 7, which resulted in around 1,200 fatalities and the abduction of numerous individuals.
In the aftermath, more than 40,530 deaths have been reported in Gaza, according to local health authorities, with the UN noting that many victims were women and children.
Efforts by US, Egyptian, and Qatari mediators are ongoing to negotiate a ceasefire that would lead to the release of hostages held by Hamas, in exchange for Palestinian prisoners in Israeli detention.
While indirect negotiations have been taking place, key issues remain unresolved, particularly the demand for Israeli troop presence along Gaza’s border with Egypt, which has faced opposition from both Hamas and Egyptian officials.
