Saleh Al-Jafarawi, a 27-year-old Palestinian influencer and ‘Pallywood actor’ widely known online as “Mr FAFO”, was reportedly killed on Sunday, 12 October 2025, amid violent clashes between Hamas and rival Palestinian factions in Gaza City. Jafarawi, who amassed over 6 million Instagram followers, became infamous for his staged videos during the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict, including posing as a doctor, a wounded patient, a fighter, and a journalist.
Jafarawi was reportedly accompanying Hamas’s “Saham” unit during clashes with the Doghmosh clan in Gaza City when he was killed by unknown assailants. The circumstances of his death remain unclear. Palestinian-American activist Ahmed Fouad Alkhatib suggested multiple possibilities, including Hamas targeting him to seize his digital assets, retaliation by the Doghmosh clan, or anti-Hamas fighters acting against a known propagandist. Reports indicate that his body showed signs of torture.
The father of Palestinian journalist and activist Saleh Al-Jafarawi bid a heartbreaking farewell to his son. In emotional footage, he kneels beside Saleh’s body, praying and speaking heartfelt words as he says his final goodbye pic.twitter.com/85o2oJAcNb
— Middle East Eye (@MiddleEastEye) October 12, 2025
The death drew mixed reactions. Some Israelis cheered the news, describing him as a propagandist who incited anti-Israel sentiment.
It is noteworthy that Jafarawi celebrated the deadly October 7 Hamas terror attack on Israel.
On October 7, as Israelis were being massacred and kidnapped, #MrFAFO (Saleh Jafarawi) posted this video, calling it the happiest day of his life 👇
Today, the last day of the war, was also the last day of his life. He was killed earlier today.#MrFAFO was FAFO’ed. pic.twitter.com/R2s1kDfgfS
— Dr. Eli David (@DrEliDavid) October 12, 2025
In contrast, Mohammed Zubair, the alleged fact-checker, expressed grief on social media, writing: “For the past two years, Saleh Al-Jafarawi reported on the genocide of people in Palestine. Israel killed him now during the ‘ceasefire’. RIP Saleh.”
Critics accused him of spreading Hamas propaganda and of embezzling an estimated $10 million in donations intended to rebuild the Al-Nasr Children’s Hospital, with suspicions that funds were funneled to Hamas. In March 2025, he was accused by the Palestinian Health Ministry in Ramallah of embezzling funds intended to rebuild Al-Nasr Children’s Hospital. Jafarawi launched a campaign claiming to raise $10 million, using the ministry’s logo and Kuwait Society for Relief branding. The ministry denied any involvement and warned against misuse of its name. The campaign, still active in March, drew outrage from Palestinians, with many accusing him of diverting funds to Hamas. Jafarawi was known for performing in staged propaganda videos, dubbed “Pallywood.”
Saleh Al Jafarawi, known online as “Mr. FAFO,” has been accused by the Palestinian Health Ministry of embezzling funds meant to rebuild Al-Nasr Children’s Hospital.
Many in Gaza suspect the money was funneled to Hamas.
The influencer, who had 6 million Instagram followers, has… pic.twitter.com/jqQbzPAfNE
— Hen Mazzig (@HenMazzig) March 13, 2025
Jafarawi’s notoriety stemmed from his performative videos, which many labeled “Pallywood”, staged content presenting dramatized conflict scenes. He “died” multiple times but came back alive over and over again. He played multiple roles – that of a reporter, a radiologist, a patient, MRI technician, singer, claimed his dad was on his death bed, blood donor,
“Known for documenting Gaza’s pain” 😂😂😂 he was a documented fckn pallywood clown!!! We have tons of receipts!
May he rest in camel piss! 🐫 pic.twitter.com/ImrlsfX0Hr
— PEATHRUS (@PEATHRUS_X) October 12, 2025
At times, he even played the role of a cook.
Palestinian crisis actor Saleh Al-Jafarawi dubbed ‘Mr FAFO’ appears in a new video working as a chef and cooking food in Gaza.
He has previously posed as a:
• Radiologist
• Doctor
• Air Strike Victim
• Hospital Patient
• Journalist
• Tour Guide pic.twitter.com/BhP6j8htVf— Oli London (@OliLondonTV) April 11, 2024
Even the BBC aired his fake reporting.
(Thread) The devil works hard but Gaza’s “film” industry works harder.
Meet Saleh Aljafarawi, Hamas presenter, father, patient, singer, journalist and crisis actor.
He’s just one example of how Hamas is using social media to spread misinformation and shape false narratives… pic.twitter.com/1AWPDSY0uV
— Israel ישראל (@Israel) November 6, 2023
Se llama Saleh al-Jafarawi, le habréis visto como médico palestino, como pobre enfermo, como víctima de un bombardeo en Gaza, como reportero de guerra…
No os creáis nada de lo que veáis por ahí. Llevan décadas haciéndose las víctimas y saben hacerlo muy bien. Viven de ello. pic.twitter.com/ZcZnj1dPk7— Bart0 (@Bart045603771) November 1, 2023
Following his death, even Instagram removed Saleh Al-Jafarawi’s account which had 4.5 million followers, and archived snapshots on the Wayback Machine appear disabled.
(Source: Times of India)
Subscribe to our channels on Telegram, WhatsApp, and Instagram and get the best stories of the day delivered to you personally.
