In the early afternoon of Monday (at around 13:47), December 23, 2024, a man was killed in front of the gate of Kamal Adwan Hospital, in the Jabalia camp, North Gaza, by an alleged Israeli strike.

His name was Kamel Mahmoud Abu Saif “Abu Arafa” and he was reportedly initially injured by the strike, but then his clothes caught fire – ultimately leading to his death.

Local and regional networks such as Ramalla News, SadaPalNews, Al-Arabiya Palestine and Al-Watan Voice covered the incident. However, AJA Egypt provided the most detailed information, reporting that the Israeli drones hit the central drug warehouse in front of the hospital. It also added that, when Kamel’s body was set on fire, residents tried to pull him inside amidst a barrage of heavy fire.

Friends and family took to social media to express their grief over the loss of Kamel. Mohammad Abu Saif mourned his uncle, describing him as a patient and steadfast man. He reflected on Abu Arafa’s reunion with his killed son, Moamen, his brother Aref “Abu Ali”, his nephew Muhammad and many others from the Abu Saif family, highlighting the extensive loss to one family.

Mohanad Mohammed Shehada shared his sorrow, remembering Abu Arafa as one of the dearest people to him and to everyone who had the privilege of knowing him. According to Ahmad Mahmoud and many others, Kamel was from Jabalia Refugee Camp.

Jihad Husain recalled their final moments together, noting that just the Friday before, they had prayed and shared a meal and now he is left with only memories of a life lost.

Many more, like the Jabalia Camp Children, honoured his memory by sharing a picture of him. He was a middle-aged man with a touch of white in his beard and warm, smiling eyes.

In addition, numerous pictures were shared online, capturing the moment when the body was set on fire among the rubble of the street. Some people were seen hiding behind a wall while others ran towards the victim in an attempt to save him. Al-Jazeera also published a video showing the body being rescued and probably brought inside the hospital. Meanwhile, AJA Egypt shared Al Jazeera’s coverage of the explosion on Facebook, which was reported live by correspondent Anas Al-Sharif.

Where sources identified a belligerent, all sources attributed the strike to Israeli forces.