On October 17th, 2023, Muhammad Mahmoud Al-Balbisi (25) was killed by an alleged Israeli airstrike in the Gaza Strip.

The Martyrs of Gaza Twitter/X account posted a tribute by Muhammad’s friend Hamoud Abbadi, quoting him as saying, “Who said that parting does not change the features? We were always together… in everything, laughing, going out, doing everything together. But this time, I am crying alone. We spent our childhood together, creating all our memories together. But now, I have to continue without you. Tell me, how can I? I can’t comprehend it until now, and I will never be able to overcome it. You are a loss to humanity. May God have mercy on you, my dear.”

Other friends and relatives expressed their grief on social media. On Facebook, Ahmed J.L.Alsibakhi wrote, “I extend my sincere condolences and sympathy to my friends and sisters, the Al-Balbisi family in general, and my dear brother and friend Ibrahim Al-Balbisi on the martyrdom of his brother Muhammad Al-Balbisi…Exactly two weeks ago, I was sitting with him in Rafah, going to see Ezza. I sat with him and he told me one sentence: we will all die, and life is not permanent and will end in the blink of an eye. Your words are wrong, my friend. We belong to God and to Him we shall return…” Abed Saqr shared a video featuring a smiling photo of Muhammad Mahmoud Al-Balbisi, along with a caption saying “To God we belong and to Him we shall return. The martyrdom of the good young man, Muhammad Al-Bilbisi, my cousin.” Another relative, Ahmad Ibraheem Al-Balbisi, posted “May God reward us with the martyrdom of my nephew, Muhammad Mahmoud Al-Balbisi.” On Twitter/X, @aliaalixxx reposted another photo showing Muhammad smiling at the camera and wrote “Muhammad Mahmoud Al-Balbisi (25 years old). He had many dreams.. and he was very kind to people and to be happy.. affectionate with everyone and a brother and son to everyone.”

Airwars was able to match Muhammad’s name with the Palestinian Ministry of Health list of nearly 7000 victims’ names and ID numbers released on October 26th

The specific time and location of the strike are currently unknown. One source identified the belligerent, attributing the strike to Israeli forces.