Palestinian journalist Saleh Aljafarawi, known for documenting the war through his videos, was shot and killed during clashes in Gaza City. The 28-year-old’s passing underscored the region’s continued instability as it happened only days after Israel and Hamas agreed to a ceasefire. Aljafarawi was slain by a “armed militia” while reporting on conflict in the Sabra area, according to Al Jazeera Arabic.
Who Was Journalist Saleh Aljafarawi?
28-year-old Palestinian journalist Saleh Aljafarawi was well-known for his coverage of the current war in Gaza. He was known for creating videos that captured the realities of life and war in the territory. “Honestly, I lived in fear for every second… not knowing what the next second would bring,” he spoke openly about the extreme anxiety and relocation he went through in a January interview with Al Jazeera. He himself had been uprooted from northern Gaza during the war.
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How Was Saleh Aljafarawi Killed?
Saleh Aljafarawi was killed while reporting on armed clashes in the Sabra neighborhood of Gaza City. According to Al Jazeera, he was shot by members of an “armed militia.” Footage from the scene showed him wearing a press flak jacket and lying on the back of a truck. He had been reported missing on Sunday morning before the news of his death was confirmed. His killing brings the number of media workers killed in Gaza since October 2023 to over 270.
What Were the Clashes in Gaza City About?
The clashes that led to Aljafarawi’s death involved conflicting reports about the groups involved. According to some Palestinian sources, the fighting was between Hamas security forces and fighters from the Doghmush clan. However, a senior official from Gaza’s Ministry of Interior claimed the fighting involved “an armed militia affiliated with the [Israeli] occupation.” The official also alleged that militia members killed displaced people who were returning to the city from southern Gaza.
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What is the Context of the Gaza Ceasefire?
The killing of Saleh Aljafarawi occurred against a backdrop of a fragile ceasefire that had held for three days. The goal of this truce was to de-escalate the larger conflict and enable a hostage-prisoner exchange. At the same time, a conference with international leaders to formally end the conflict was planned in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, with US President Donald Trump. These high-level peace measures could not resolve the dangerous and unstable security situation in Gaza.
