The relief group said Israeli forces “targeted and assassinated” its chef and co-founder, Mahmoud Almadhoun, in a drone attack in northern Gaza on Saturday, Al Jazeera reports.

“We believe he was killed because of his unwavering dedication to solving problems for Kamal Adwan Hospital and ensuring they had whatever they needed,” the group said, referring to the besieged medical facility in Beit Lahiya.

“Mahmoud was a lifeline, standing in the way of the ethnic cleansing they are determined to carry out—and they would not allow that to continue,” the group added.

Israeli forces have been laying siege to northern Gaza since October 6, preventing the entry of food, water and medicine, and bombarding the Kamal Adwan Hospital, in a campaign rights groups say is aimed at clearing the area of all of its residents.

Gaza Soup Kitchen said Mahmoud leaves behind seven children, including a two-week-old baby.