Mohammad ‘Medo’ Halimy, a popular blogger with 177,000 followers on TikTok, was tragically killed in a strike in Gaza. The 20-year-old documented daily life in Gaza on social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok, attracting a large following.
Halimy was hit by shrapnel from an Israeli missile strike in Khan Younis on Monday, according to youth organizations he had previously worked with. He was in an area near the beach where displaced people had sought shelter when the fatal strike occurred.
Despite the ongoing conflict in Gaza, Halimy continued to share his life experiences through his videos, showcasing the resilience of Palestinians. His videos ranged from cooking recipes to walkthroughs of his content creation process, all while living as a displaced citizen in Rafah and Khan Younis.
His final video, posted just hours before his death, showed the tent he was living in and detailed his activities for the day. Both Palestinian organizations and a Gaza-based charity confirmed his death, praising his ability to bring beauty to any situation.
Halimy’s sister, Rahaf, mourned his loss on Instagram, calling him a martyr. His death adds to the tragic toll of the conflict in Gaza, where thousands have been killed and displaced.
As mediators work towards a ceasefire deal, the situation in Gaza remains tense. Halimy’s death serves as a reminder of the human cost of the conflict, and his legacy as a content creator and advocate for Palestinians will live on.