Palestinian basketball player Mohammed Shaalan killed in Gaza while trying to feed his family

Mohammed Shaalan, a prominent player for the Palestinian national basketball team, known by the nickname “The Earthquake,” was shot and killed by 'Israeli' forces on Tuesday evening while attempting to secure food for his children amid the ongoing blockade of the Gaza Strip.

According to a Roya correspondent, Shaalan was trying to obtain food and medicine, particularly for his daughter Maryam, who suffers from severe kidney failure. The father had repeatedly appealed through media outlets and international organizations, urging urgent intervention to save her life.

Read more: Former Palestine national footballer Suleiman Al-Obaid killed in 'Israeli' airstrike

Shaalan, who represented Palestine in numerous Arab and international basketball tournaments, had seen his sports career curtailed by the harsh realities of war and the blockade. Despite his athletic achievements, he became one of many civilians killed while trying to provide for their families in Gaza.

His death has left a deep void for his family and the wider Palestinian sports community.