● Khaled Nabhan, a symbol of Gaza’s resilience, was killed in an Israeli airstrike after dedicating his final year to aiding others despite losing his grandchildren.
● His death highlights the ongoing genocide in Gaza, where over 45,000 reportedly have been killed in 14 months of relentless Israeli assaults.
His death marks yet another brutal chapter in Israel’s never ending relentless assaults on Gaza.
Khaled Nabhan, widely known as “Abu Diaa,” has been killed in an Israeli airstrike that targeted the Nuseirat refugee camp in central Gaza. Nabhan became a global symbol of Gaza’s suffering last year when a heartbreaking video showed him cradling the lifeless body of his granddaughter, Reem, kissing her eyes, and calling her the “soul of my soul.”
The attack on Monday claimed Nabhan’s life, along with at least four others, including a child, according to Palestinian sources. The strike devastated the home of the Abu Hajar family and compounded the tragedy already inflicted on Nabhan’s family when Israeli airstrikes killed his granddaughter Reem, 3, and grandson Tarek, 5, in November 2023.
Nabhan’s profound grief, captured in viral footage, resonated around the world, epitomizing the immense suffering endured by Palestinians under Israel’s relentless bombardment. Now, 13 months later, his killing underscores the ongoing destruction in Gaza and the absence of safety for its people.
Legacy of Compassion Amid Tragedy
Despite his devastating personal losses, Nabhan channeled his grief into extraordinary acts of compassion. Over the past year, he worked alongside medics and rescue teams, tending to injured Palestinians—especially children—and supporting those in desperate need. His selflessness extended to distributing food to hungry families, comforting grieving communities, and even feeding stray animals.
Nabhan’s humanitarian efforts earned him widespread admiration and respect, both within Gaza and beyond. Advocates for Palestinian rights honored his memory, highlighting his enduring kindness and resilience.
“They first murdered his granddaughter, ‘the soul of his soul,’ then bombed his family’s home, and now they’ve murdered him in broad daylight with impunity,” wrote Muhammad Shehada, a Gaza-based writer. “After Israel killed his granddaughter, he spent a year spreading hope, helping those in need, and cherishing every moment he had with his loved ones.”
A Global Symbol of Resistance
Nabhan’s resilience and humanity transcended borders, resonating with peoplee around the world. In February, Mayor Abdullah Hammoud of Dearborn, Michigan, invoked Nabhan’s memory while endorsing the Uncommitted National Movement. The campaign sought to pressure U.S. President Joe Biden to halt unconditional support for Israel.
“For our grandfather Khaled and the soul of his soul, Reem, … Vote ‘Uncommitted’ on the Democratic Presidential Primary Ballot,” Hammoud urged, spotlighting Nabhan’s story as a call to action.
A Grim Reality of Genocide
As of Monday, Gaza’s Health Ministry reported over 45,000 Palestinians killed since the war began 14 months ago. Rights groups and United Nations experts have classified Israel’s actions as genocide—an organized effort to destroy the Palestinian people, in whole or in part.
Days before Nabhan’s death, Israeli airstrikes decimated another area in central Gaza, killing dozens in what local authorities described as a “barbaric massacre.” Nabhan’s murder is part of a broader pattern of atrocities that highlight the devastating scale of violence and the impunity with which it continues.
A Legacy of Defiance and Humanity
Khaled Nabhan’s death is not just a tragedy; it is a stark reminder of the ongoing atrocities faced by Palestinians. Yet his life stands as a testament to resilience, compassion, and unyielding hope in the face of unimaginable despair. Nabhan’s legacy will continue to inspire, representing the enduring humanity of a people under siege.
