"Soul of my soul": Beloved Palestinian grandfather Khaled Nabhan killed in Israeli airstrike

SHAH ALAM - Khaled Nabhan, the Palestinian grandfather whose heartbreaking grief over the loss of his young granddaughter touched hearts worldwide, has tragically been killed in an Israeli airstrike on the Nuseirat refugee camp in Gaza.

The devastating attack, which also claimed the lives of several others including a child, occurred on Dec 16.

Nabhan, affectionately known as "Abu Diaa," became a symbol of the immense suffering endured by Palestinians when a video of him mourning his three-year-old granddaughter went viral in November 2023.

In the poignant footage, he cradled his granddaughter, Reem's lifeless body, his sorrow palpable as he kissed her eyes and called her the "soul of my soul."

The same Israeli airstrike that took Reem's life also claimed the life of her five-year-old brother, Tarek.

This double tragedy thrust Nabhan into the international spotlight, his grief a stark reminder of the human cost of the ongoing conflict in Gaza.

Almost a year after Reem's passing, Nabhan himself fell victim to the violence.

The Israeli attack targeted the Abu Diaa family home, leaving Nabhan and at least four others dead.

Despite his own immense grief, Nabhan had shown remarkable resilience and compassion.

He was often seen helping displaced Palestinians in Gaza, a testament to his enduring spirit.

The Israeli airstrikes on Gaza since October 2023 have resulted in the tragic deaths of over 45,000 Palestinians, the majority of whom were women and children.

The bombardment has left the region devastated, with homes, schools, hospitals, and refugee camps reduced to rubble.

Thousands remain missing, feared trapped beneath the wreckage.

The International Criminal Court (ICC) and the International Court of Justice (ICJ) have both launched investigations into allegations of war crimes and genocide committed during the conflict.

Nabhan's death has triggered an outpouring of grief and solidarity on social media.

Many have expressed their sorrow and shared their condolences.

“As a father of three and full-time elementary teacher, this man’s heartfelt lament broke my heart.

"May he find peace and may those that did this be hounded for eternity,” wrote @teawithalmondmilk.

Nabhan’s life and tragic death are a reminder of the human cost of the ongoing genocide in Gaza.

His enduring love for his granddaughter and his efforts to support his community amidst unimaginable loss have left a legacy that continues to inspire and resonate across the world.