Israeli forces have killed iconic Palestinian grandfather Khaled Nabhan, who went viral in the first months of Israel’s genocide for a video mourning his grandchild, in an attack in central Gaza on Monday.

Nabhan, known to Palestinians as Abu Diaa, was killed in an Israeli attack on Nuseirat refugee camp, in which at least four others were killed. He was reportedly killed by an Israeli tank shell, local health authorities said.

The Palestinian became well-known after a video of him cradling and kissing the deceased body of his 3-year-old granddaughter, who was killed in an Israeli strike in November 2023, circulated widely online. In the video, he calls the little girl, Reem, “the soul of my soul.” His grandson, 5-year-old Tariq, was also killed in the strike.

Nabhan was particularly close to his granddaughter, and videos of the two prior to her death shared in a CNN report showed them laughing and playing, with Reem tugging at his beard. In the aftermath of the strike, he sifted through the wreckage of the house searching for toys that the children used to play with, in order to hold on to the memories.

Per Palestine Chronicle, Nabhan had told Palestinian media of his close relationship with Reem. “She used to call me with her sweet voice, bring me food and water, and fill my days with happiness. I would say to her, ‘Oh my love, my heart, my eyes’,” he said. “Her death has torn my soul apart. I wake up and go to sleep with tears in my eyes.”

After his loss, Nabhan dedicated his time to helping those in........

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