Khaled Nabhan - a man who became an enduring symbol of Gaza’s suffering - was killed on Monday in an Israeli airstrike on the Nuseirat refugee camp.
His death comes 14 months after he cradled the lifeless body of his granddaughter Reem in a moment that captured global attention.
The 54-year-old grandfather’s death has left his family shattered. His eldest daughter, Maysa Nabhan, who lost two children in the same 2023 airstrike that first drew the world’s focus to Khaled, now mourns her father.
“He was everything to us. He held this family together,” said Maysa, her voice breaking as she comforted her eight-year-old son, Ahmed, who sat by her side repeating, “Grandpa’s gone.”
In their overcrowded refuge in Gaza, Maysa struggles to find space to grieve while navigating her family’s ongoing displacement.
“Soul of my soul”
Khaled became a poignant figure of Gaza’s tragedy on November 29, 2023, when an Israeli airstrike killed three-year-old Reem and her five-year-old brother, Tarek. Photographed holding Reem’s small body, Khaled whispered, “Ruh al-ruh” (soul of my soul), a phrase that resonated globally.
The image of his peaceful surrender to the loss became a symbol of resilience and faith amidst devastation. Despite his personal grief, Khaled dedicated himself to comforting others, urging global audiences to pray for Gaza and calling attention to the humanitarian crisis in the besieged enclave.
Life of sacrifice
Khaled’s son, Diaa, described him as a man who tirelessly worked to provide for his family, often going hungry himself to ensure his children were fed. Despite his struggles, Khaled exuded warmth and hope, offering comfort to those in need and even feeding stray animals in war-ravaged Gaza.
“After losing Reem, he became like a one-man relief agency,” Diaa said, recounting his father’s efforts to assist displaced families, many of whom lacked necessities.
On Monday, Khaled’s life was cut short in an airstrike that struck Nuseirat. His funeral, shared widely on social media, drew messages of grief and admiration from around the world.
For his widow, Afaf, the loss is immeasurable. “Khaled was a beautiful blend of piousness and fun,” she said tearfully. “He gave us love, warmth, and hope.”
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