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Mohammed Shaalan

Mohammed Shaalan

War Conflict
Gender Male
Age 40 yrs
Nationality Palestine
Religion Muslim
Marital Status Married
Date of Death 03/19/2024
Location Khan Younis, southern part of the Gaza Strip.
Cause of Death

A Palestinian basketball star (Shaalan) lost his life to Israeli gunfire in Gaza while searching for food for his daughter.

The extended cause of death involves the circumstances that led to the fatal shooting.

Mohammed Shaalan was killed while waiting in a line for humanitarian aid in the city of Khan Younis. According to the reports from the Wafa news agency and the statement from Fares Awwad of the Palestinian Basketball Federation, Israeli forces opened fire on the crowd of civilians who had gathered to receive food and medicine.

He was there specifically to get supplies for his critically ill daughter, making him a civilian engaged in a essential act of survival amidst a widespread humanitarian crisis. His death is therefore attributed to being shot by Israeli gunfire while attempting to secure aid for his family.

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Alleged Responsible Party
Israeli forces.
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Biography

Mohammed Shaalan, nicknamed "The Earthquake," was a renowned Palestinian basketball star and former member of the Palestine men's national team who was killed by Israeli gunfire on Tuesday in Khan Younis, Gaza. He was shot while waiting in line for essential aid, which he was desperately seeking for his family, particularly for his six-year-old daughter, Mariam, who suffers from kidney failure and sepsis. A dominant force on the court, Shaalan enjoyed a successful career primarily with the Al-Bureij Services Basketball Club, where he secured two Premier League titles, a Gaza Strip Cup Championship, and two Super Cup Championships. His tragic death highlights the extreme peril faced by civilians in Gaza and cut short the life of a celebrated athlete remembered for his strength and dedication to his family and sport.

Early Life and Nickname:
Mohammed Shaalan was a Palestinian from the Gaza Strip. He earned the powerful nickname "The Earthquake" (Arabic: الزلزال, Al-Zilzal) for his formidable presence and impact on the basketball court, suggesting a player who could change the game with his strength and skill.

Basketball Career:
Shaalan was a professional basketball player whose career was a testament to his talent and resilience within the challenging context of Palestinian sports. His most significant achievements came while playing for Al-Bureij Services Basketball Club. During his tenure there, he became a decorated athlete, winning:

Two Premier League titles

One Gaza Strip Cup Championship

Two Super Cup Championships

Demonstrating his value as a player, he had a well-traveled career across various clubs in the Gaza Strip, also representing Al-Maghazi Services, Khan Yunis Services, Al-Shati Services, Gaza Sports, the YMCA, and Jabalia Services.

National Team:
His skill elevated him to the highest level, earning h

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Pleas of Surviving Relatives and Family if any

Mariam (Maryam), aged 6: Shaalan's daughter, who is suffering from kidney failure and severe blood poisoning (sepsis). The text states she is "fighting for her life." Her severe medical condition was the direct reason Shaalan was seeking aid.

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Additional Information

A Palestinian basketball star (Shaalan) lost his life to Israeli gunfire in Gaza while searching for food for his daughter.

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Sources & References

ecial Arrangement Former Palestine men’s national basketball team player Mohammed Shaalan was killed by Israeli forces in Gaza on Tuesday. According to Wafa news agency, Shaalan — also known by his nickname ‘The Earthquake’ — was shot while waiting in line to receive aid for his family in the Khan Younis region. Shaalan had been searching for food and medicine, especially for his daughter, Maryam, who is suffering from kidney failure and severe blood poisoning. “We confirm, with deep sadness, that Palestinian basketball star Mohammad Shalaan was killed by Israeli gunfire in Khan Younis while trying to get food for his children ,” Fares Awwad, the secretary general of the Palestinian Basketball Federation, told Franceinfo:sport. “He leaves behind six children, including his daughter Mariam (6 years old), who is currently suffering from kidney failure and sepsis, and is fighting for her life.
1 sportstar.thehindu.com Open source
Israeli forces killed former Palestinian national basketball player Mohammed Shaalan on Tuesday. Shaalan, 40, was killed at an aid distribution site near Khan Younis while attempting to secure food and medicine for his sick daughter, Maryam, and the rest of his family. According to local media, Maryam suffers from kidney failure and severe blood poisoning. Before his death, Shaalan had repeatedly appealed for help in securing proper medical treatment for her. Nicknamed al-Zilzal - Arabic for "The Earthquake" - Shaalan was a well-known figure in Palestinian sports, having played for several local teams including Khadamat Al-Bureij, Khadamat Al-Maghazi, and Khadamat Khan Younis, as well as representing the national team.
2 middleeasteye.net Open source
A player on the Palestinian national basketball team was shot dead by the Israeli army while searching for food for his family in Gaza. 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.
3 presstv.ir Open source
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National Anthem
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