NBA star Kyrie Irving memorializes Gaza’s youngest activist as his profile picture

NBA star Kyrie Irving drew attention to the ongoing violence in Gaza by changing his Instagram profile photo to honor Yaqeen Hammad, an 11-year-old Palestinian child who was killed in an 'Israeli' airstrike.

Yaqeen, recognized as Gaza’s youngest media activist, was killed on May 24, 2025, during an airstrike in the besieged enclave. Her work documenting daily life under the aggression had gained her recognition for raising awareness of the situation facing children in Gaza.

Irving’s advocacy for Palestine is not new. The NBA star has consistently used his visibility to address the conflict, often at the cost of facing criticism. Throughout his career, he has made symbolic gestures, such as wearing a keffiyeh, during games and post-game press conferences, as well as donning jewelry featuring the map of Palestine and a key, symbolizing the right of return for Palestinian refugees.