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Global community mourns slain Palestinian journalist Saleh Aljafarawi
The international community is mourning the death of Palestinian journalist Saleh Aljafarawi, widely known as Mr. Fafo, who was killed while reporting in Gaza’s Sabra neighborhood. According to multiple reports, Aljafarawi was shot dead by members of an armed militia during violent clashes in the area.
A senior source in Gaza’s Ministry of Interior told Al Jazeera that the confrontation involved an Israeli-backed militia fighting against Hamas security forces. Preliminary reports indicate that the journalist was struck by seven bullets, suggesting he was directly targeted while on assignment.
A tragedy amid fragile peace
Aljafarawi’s death occurred just days after Israel and Hamas agreed to a ceasefire in Gaza, heightening fears that violence against journalists may continue despite the truce. Gaza’s government media office denounced the killing, describing it as “a direct result of Israel’s policy of targeting Palestinian journalists through both airstrikes and proxy militias.”
Across social media, Aljafarawi’s name has become a rallying cry. Thousands have used hashtags bearing his name to express grief, admiration, and anger. Many posts describe him as a martyr for press freedom. “Betrayed by traitors in a way the occupation never dared,” wrote one user on X. Another commented, “He predicted more tragedies despite the ceasefire. They murdered him.”
Bearing witness under fire
In an earlier interview with Al Jazeera, Aljafarawi reflected on the psychological toll of covering the war in Gaza. “Honestly, I lived in fear for every second, especially after hearing what the Israeli occupation was saying about me. I was living life second to second, not knowing what the next second would bring,” he said.
The Watson Institute for International and Public Affairs’ Costs of War project reports that at least 270 journalists and media workers have been killed in Gaza since October 2023, making it the deadliest conflict for media personnel in modern history.
Aljafarawi’s death underscores the peril faced by journalists in war zones and renews calls for accountability and international protection for those documenting conflict on the ground.