LONDON: Mohammad “Medo” Halimy, a Palestinian blogger known for his daily reports of life in war-torn Gaza, was killed earlier this week in an Israeli airstrike.
Halimy, 20, died on Monday when he was struck by shrapnel from an explosion in Khan Younis caused by an Israeli, according to two youth organizations he had worked with.
Halimy gained widespread attention through his social media presence, where he shared videos that highlighted the harsh realities of life in Gaza while showing the resilience of its people.
He had amassed more than 190,000 followers on TikTok and more than 90,000 on Instagram.
His content ranged from simple cooking recipes, created with limited supplies and appliances, to videos that offered glimpses into everyday activities, such as taking a shower.
He also shared walkthroughs of how he produced his content, providing a rare and personal view of life under siege.
In an interview last year, Halimy revealed that each clip he posted to social media cost him about $3 — a significant sum in electricity-deprived Gaza.
His final video, depicting a regular day in Gaza, was posted just hours before his death.
In a June 2024 interview with Fault magazine, Halimy expressed his joy at the global support he received through his social media platforms.
“The most joy I get now is from the comments on my videos and the support from people worldwide. Seeing people recognize the truth and view the situation from an unbiased perspective is very uplifting,” he said.
Halimy said he was optimistic about the future despite the dire circumstances. “After this genocide is over, I will pursue my life dreams, no matter how long it takes — even if it takes 50 years. I aim to achieve so much that everyone will remember my name.”
Earlier this month, Halimy was featured in Time magazine, where he discussed how he initially began posting videos on TikTok as a way to cope with depression during the conflict.
He also launched an online fundraiser this year to help his family of eight escape the war zone, where more than 40,500 Palestinians have been killed.
Spark, a Gaza-based charity with which Halimy had collaborated in the summer of 2023, confirmed his death and praised his ability to “add beauty and splendour to a place wherever it is” in an online tribute.
“Mohammad, your kind spirit will remain with us, and we believe you deserve a better world,” the charity added.
The Israeli forces told media outlets that they could not confirm a strike in Khan Younis on Monday but reiterated their commitment to “countering threats while persisting to mitigate harm to civilians” in Gaza.
