A child who became known as Gaza’s youngest influencer has been killed in an Israeli airstrike.
Yaqeen Hammad, who had 106,000 followers on Instagram, died on Friday night (23 May).
The 11-year-old was among dozens of other children who lost their lives.
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Yaqueen was killed in her neighbourhood, Deir al-Balah, a Palestinian city in the central Gaza Strip.
Local press reported that emergency crews called the scene of the strike “indescribably painful”.
Yaqeen became popular for her volunteering efforts and her infectious positivity.
She and her older brother, Mohamed Hammad, often worked together to deliver food, toys, and clothing to families in need.
The young girl often shared what she was up to online, and gave advice on how to handle daily life while under bombardment.
Yaqeen and Mohamed, who is a humanitarian worker, regularly visited camps and makeshift shelters.
She was dedicated to spreading cheer and comforting other children.
In a video shared three weeks ago, which attracted 240,000 views, Yaqeen was seen handing out ice cream to younger children.
Her death has shocked people online, including her followers and other activists, as reported by Need To Know.
British writer and politician Kamel Hawwash expressed his heartbreak towards the loss of Yaqeen.
He said: “Israel killed this beautiful child, Yaqeen Hammad, in its terrorist operation today in Deir al-Balah, among others.
“She did some great humanitarian work supporting others.”
Airstrikes launched by Israel have intensified in Gaza in recent days.
Israel has intensified its air campaign in Gaza in recent days.
Its airstrikes killed at least 52 people on Monday, including 31 in a school turned shelter that was struck as people slept, igniting their belongings, according to local health officials.
Yaqueen’s final post online was shared on 16 May.
The video featured Mohamed and other workers handing out fruit to adults and children.
Yaqeen’s followers have shared their heartbreak over her passing.
Marwa said, “I can’t imagine Gaza without the counsellor for sure.
“May your soul rest in peace, sweetheart. Heaven is more beautiful.”
A second person said, “May Allah give you patience and have mercy on Yaqeen. I can’t believe that Yaqeen is dead.”
“My beautiful, big smile, kind little soul. Surely, we count you among the martyrs and friends. May your soul rest in peace,” added Karima.
Yasmeen said: “May Allah have mercy on you, Yaqeen, honey.”
“You are a martyr, may God accept you, my heart,” Sabra added.
Israel launched a military campaign in Gaza in response to Hamas’s cross-border attack on 7 October 2023, in which about 1,200 people were killed and 251 others were taken hostage.
At least 53,977 people have been killed in Gaza since then, including 3,822 since Israel resumed its offensive 10 weeks ago, according to the territory’s Hamas-run health ministry.
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