Mahmoud Al Madhoun worked tirelessly for over 400 days since the Gaza war began on October 7 last year. He provided warm meals and medical help to the hungry and needy Palestinians, often in the most dangerous parts of the enclave.
His impactful journey tragically ended on Saturday when an Israeli airstrike hit Beit Lahia, northern Gaza. He was killed while Israeli forces intensified attacks. Mahmoud had chosen to stay, serving those who, like him, refused to leave despite the siege.
A Legacy of Service and Sacrifice
Mahmoud founded a Soup Kitchen that became a lifeline for many in Gaza. Residents described him as a beacon of hope. His home also served as a hub where he helped people communicate with their families abroad using scarce e-Sims. Activists relied on the internet access he provided to document and share the horrors of the war.
Neighbor and soup kitchen beneficiary Saeb Al Farram shared, “Everyone in northern Gaza knew Mahmoud. His meals—like pasta, rice, and eggplant stew, were not only delicious but lifesaving.” Saeb accused Israel of targeting Mahmoud to worsen the hunger crisis.
Mahmoud’s efforts went beyond food. He worked on water supply projects, distributed blankets, provided shelter for displaced people, and even set up a first-aid station during the war. Sadly, the airstrike that killed him also destroyed his kitchen, a vital source of help for many.
Support for Emergency Workers
Paramedic Mohammed Abu Louay shared how Mahmoud supported ambulance and civil defense teams.
“He always said, ‘I’ll do everything to help you endure, so the people can endure.’” Mahmoud’s dedication to helping others stood firm, even as the occupation targeted humanitarian workers and resources.
Growing Food Crisis in Gaza
Mahmoud’s death is a devastating loss, worsening the already dire food crisis. Israel’s military actions have killed over 333 humanitarian workers since the war began, making it the deadliest conflict for aid workers in UN history.
The recent loss of five members of the World Central Kitchen (WCK) in an airstrike has forced the organization to halt its operations in Gaza.
Marouf Abu Rashed, a displaced resident from Jabalia, described the worsening hunger. “Community kitchens, like Mahmoud’s, were our only source of food. With WCK operations suspended, it’s getting worse. The remaining kitchens can’t compare in quality or capacity.”
The UN agency UNRWA also announced it is suspending aid due to looting, further compounding the crisis. “We need the world to act so organizations can resume operations. Displaced families are starving,” Marouf pleaded.
Like many, Marouf has lost his job and struggles to feed his eight children. “We’ve relied entirely on community kitchens. Without them, we don’t know how we’ll survive.”
Mahmoud Al Madhoun’s work symbolized hope in the face of devastation. His loss underscores the urgent need for global action to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
