GAZA CITY, PALESTINE — Saleh al-Jafarawi, a controversial Gazan social media influencer who gained international notoriety as "Mr. FAFO" for his online posts during the Hamas-Israel war, was killed on Sunday in Gaza City. His death occurred amid violent armed clashes between Hamas and a rival Palestinian militia, sparking conflicting narratives about who was responsible.
Hamas-affiliated media confirmed his death, with reports stating he was found shot in the head.
A Polarizing Online Figure
Jafarawi became well-known after he posted a video cheering Hamas’s October 7, 2023, attack on Israel. Pro-Israel activists later juxtaposed that footage with videos of him crying during Israeli airstrikes, giving him the nickname "Mr. FAFO," an acronym for “Fuck Around and Find Out.”
Throughout the war, he was a prolific creator of content from Gaza. Critics accused him of producing propaganda, alleging that viral videos showed him impersonating various roles, including a doctor, a wounded patient, and a journalist. He was also accused by anti-Hamas activists of pocketing millions of dollars in donations intended for Gazan civilians.
Conflicting Narratives on His Killing
The circumstances surrounding Jafarawi’s death are contested, reflecting the chaotic power struggles inside Gaza.
- Killed in Infighting: The most prominent reports state Jafarawi was killed by members of the Doghmush clan, a rival armed militia, while he was accompanying a Hamas unit as a cameraman during clashes in the Sabra neighborhood.
- Killed by "Collaborators": Pro-Palestinian activist groups in the U.S., such as Within Our Lifetime and Students for Justice in Palestine, as well as the Hamas-run Gaza government media office, claim he was murdered by "Zionist collaborators" or an "Israeli-backed proxy militia."
- Other Possibilities: Anti-Hamas activist Ahmed Fouad Alkhatib suggested Jafarawi could have been killed by the Doghmush clan, by a separate anti-Hamas faction, or even by Hamas itself in a plot to steal his money and incite further violence.
The Broader Clan War in Gaza
Jafarawi's death comes as violent infighting has erupted between Hamas and armed family clans since a recent ceasefire went into effect. Clashes have been reported in Gaza City and Rafah, resulting in multiple deaths, including the son of senior Hamas official Bassem Naim. Hamas security forces have been attempting to reassert control, accusing the militias of killing returning refugees, while reports have also emerged of summary executions carried out by Hamas against clan members.
Divided Reactions
Reaction to Jafarawi's death has been sharply divided. US-based anti-Israel groups eulogized him as a martyr, sharing what they said was his last will urging followers to "hold fast to the resistance." Rama Duwaji, the wife of New York City mayoral frontrunner Zohran Mamdani, also mourned the "beloved" Jafarawi on social media.
Conversely, pro-Israel figures largely made light of his death. Former Israeli spokesperson Eylon Levy acknowledged Jafarawi's "phenomenal energy, charisma, and creativity," but stated he had dedicated his talents "for evil, using his voice to fight for the genocidal terrorist army."
To learn more about other influencers who have tragically passed away this year, check out our video here:
