GAZA CITY, Palestine — Palestinian journalist Saleh Aljafarawi, one of Gaza’s most recognizable reporters, was fatally shot on Saturday in the Sabra neighbourhood of Gaza City — just days after a ceasefire agreement was announced.
What happened?
According to Palestinian media reports, the 28-year-old journalist was killed when Hamas security forces surrounded members of an armed militia. Eyewitnesses said Aljafarawi was cornered by armed men and shot multiple times, sustaining at least seven gunshot wounds.
Videos shared on social media showed his lifeless body moments after the attack, as stunned bystanders looked on.
Conflicting reports emerge
The Quds News Network and Al-Arabi Al-Jadeed (The New Arab) reported that Aljafarawi was targeted and executed by Israel-backed collaborator gangs while documenting the destruction in Sabra following the withdrawal of Israeli troops.
Meanwhile, Al Jazeera, citing a Gaza Interior Ministry source, said that clashes had erupted between Gaza’s security forces and an armed militia “affiliated with the occupation.” The report noted that several people were killed or wounded before Gaza forces regained control of the area.
Security sources said around 60 members of the militia were arrested for interrogation, while others accused of collaborating with Israel or attacking displaced Palestinians were also killed during the confrontation.
Condemnation from Gaza authorities
The Gaza Government Media Office condemned Aljafarawi’s assassination, describing it as “a direct result of Israel’s ongoing policy of targeting Palestinian journalists through both airstrikes and proxy militias.”
His death came during the initial phase of the US-brokered ceasefire, which included Israeli troop withdrawal, a prisoner exchange, and the reopening of crossings to allow humanitarian aid into Gaza.
A voice of Gaza silenced
Aljafarawi had gained prominence throughout Israel’s war on Gaza, using his camera and social media platforms to document destruction, displacement, and human suffering. Just last week, a video of him celebrating the ceasefire went viral — symbolizing rare joy amid years of devastation.
Sources close to Gaza’s media community revealed that Israeli authorities had placed Aljafarawi on a “red notice” list, similar to other Palestinian journalists previously targeted, including slain reporter Anas al-Sharif.
Earlier, on October 10, Arafat al-Khour, a photojournalist working for Abu Dhabi TV, was wounded by an Israeli strike while covering the aftermath of another attack in the same neighbourhood.
Israel’s record against journalists
Since October 2023, over 250 journalists have been killed in Israel’s ongoing military campaign — a staggering number among professionals protected under international law.
Aljafarawi’s killing underscores the growing dangers faced by reporters in Gaza, even during periods of declared ceasefire.
