Palestinian journalist killed in Gaza days after ceasefire
Aljafarawi, who had gained prominence for his coverage of the war, was found wearing a “press” flak jacket
Palestinian journalist Saleh Aljafarawi, 28, was shot dead during clashes in Gaza City's Sabra neighborhood, days after a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas took effect, according to Palestinian sources and media reports.
Aljafarawi, who had gained prominence for his coverage of the war, was found wearing a "press" flak jacket, Al Jazeera's Sanad agency reported. The outlet said it verified footage shared by activists showing his body following the clashes.
Palestinian sources told Al Jazeera Arabic that Aljafarawi was shot by members of an "armed militia" described as "Israel-linked" and "affiliated with the [Israeli] occupation." Gaza's Ministry of Interior said security forces had besieged the militia, which was accused of killing displaced residents returning to Gaza City.
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Local reports indicated that the confrontation may have involved Hamas security forces and fighters from the Doghmush clan, though authorities have not confirmed the identities of those involved.
Aljafarawi had been missing since Sunday morning before his body was found. His death adds to the mounting toll of media workers killed during the conflict, which has now claimed more than 270 journalists since October 2023, according to press monitoring groups.
Before his death, Aljafarawi had spoken publicly about the toll of the war and the fear he lived with due to his reporting. "All the scenes and situations I went through during these 467 days will not be erased from my memory. All the situations we faced, we will never be able to forget them," he said in an earlier interview, referring to his displacement from northern 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 added.
The killing took place as a fragile ceasefire continued to hold in Gaza for a third day. Security conditions in the enclave remain volatile, with local authorities warning that armed groups continue to pose threats to civilians despite the truce.
The incident also comes ahead of an international summit on Gaza, to be co-hosted by U.S. President Donald Trump and Egypt's President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi in Sharm el-Sheikh. The meeting aims "to end the war in the Gaza Strip, enhance efforts to achieve peace and stability in the Middle East, and usher in a new era of regional security and stability," according to a statement from the Egyptian president's office.
Egypt's Foreign Ministry said that during the "historic" gathering, a "document ending the war in the Gaza Strip" is set to be signed. Neither Israel nor Hamas will have representatives at the talks.
