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.”
ALSO READ: Coach Association in Italy urges Israel to be banned over ‘massacres’ before FIFA World Cup qualifiers
Shaalan played for the Al-Bureij Services Basketball Club, where he won two Premier League titles, a Gaza Strip Cup Championship, and two Super Cup Championships.
He has also played for several teams, including Al-Maghazi Services, Khan Yunis Services, Al-Shati Services, Gaza Sports, the YMCA, and Jabalia Services.
Al-Shaalan’s death comes just weeks after former Palestine national football team player Suleiman al-Obeid, known as the “Palestinian Pele”, was killed in the Gaza Strip.
Published on Aug 21, 2025
