Former Palestinian national basketball player Mohammed Shaalan, 40, nicknamed “The Earthquake,” was killed by Israeli gunfire in Khan Younis, southern Gaza, while searching for food and medicine for his children, local media reported. His daughter Maryam, suffering from kidney failure and severe blood poisoning, had been waiting for him, but he never returned.
According to Wafa news agency, Mohammed was targeted while collecting aid at a Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) distribution site. Palestinians have repeatedly faced gunfire at such sites, with UN data showing over 1,300 killed while trying to access food. Whistleblowers allege that Israeli soldiers and US security contractors working for GHF deliberately shot civilians.
Mohammed’s death comes after the killing of Suleiman al-Obeid, known as the “Palestinian Pelé,” who was also waiting for aid. Palestinian officials say more than 800 athletes have died since the start of the conflict.
