Mohammed Shaalan, nicknamed “the Earthquake,” was targeted by Israeli gunfire in Khan Younis, southern Gaza Strip, on Tuesday.

At the time of his murder, Shalaan had been searching for food and medicine for his children, particularly his daughter Maryam, who suffers from severe blood poisoning and kidney failure.

The famous Palestinian player had played hundreds of games for the Palestinian national team and several local clubs.

His participation in Arab and international tournaments cemented his reputation as one of Palestine’s most recognized athletes.

Shalaan's killing is the latest blow to the Palestinian sports community, which has endured further losses in recent days. Two more members were killed within 24 hours of Shaalan's death.

Salem Shaer, 26, equipment manager of Shabab Rafah Club, and Ahmad Jourani, 40, a former Al-Salah Club player, were both shot dead by the Israeli forces while waiting for aid near the Netzarim corridor.

Israel has recently come under international criticism for killing Suleiman al-Obeid, also known as the “Palestinian Pele."

Al-Obeid, 41, was fatally shot by the Israeli forces while waiting for humanitarian aid at a distribution point in southern Gaza.

A father of five, he was regarded as one of Palestine’s greatest footballers, having played 24 official matches for the national team and scoring twice.

The ongoing Israeli bombardments, the collapse of infrastructure, and famine have devastated Gaza’s sports community.

According to Palestinian officials, more than 800 athletes have been killed in Gaza since October 7, 2023, when the Israeli regime began its genocidal war on the besieged strip.

The Palestinian Football Association (PFA) reported that 421 football players were among the 808 athletes killed over the past 22 months.

The PFA said 288 sports facilities have been damaged or destroyed across Gaza and the West Bank since the war began, including gyms, football clubs, and stadiums.

Its own headquarters was among the buildings struck. Of those facilities, 268 were in Gaza, while 20 were in the West Bank.

Since Israel began its genocidal war on Gaza, the regime has murdered nearly 62,122 Palestinians and wounded 156,758, most of them children and women.

Forced starvation has killed 266 Palestinians, including 122 children, Gaza health authorities reported.

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