ALBAWABA - Local sources say that Palestinian journalist Saleh Al-Jaafrawi was shot and killed on Sunday in southern Gaza City while covering armed clashes between security forces and an Israeli-backed militia in the Al-Sabra neighborhood.
Witnesses said that while Al-Jaafrawi was filming the fight, members of the militia shot at him. Pictures that went around on social media showed his body right after the shooting.
Fights with armed militias
The event happened at the same time as fighting in Gaza City, which the Interior Ministry called a fight with a "militia affiliated with the occupation."
A high-ranking official from the ministry confirmed that security forces had surrounded the group and were trying to restore order. He also said that the militia members had killed civilians who had been displaced and were returning to their homes in southern Gaza.
There were reports of deaths on both sides as armed exchanges took place between Gaza's internal security units and gunmen in Al-Sabra. Video clips shared online showed these exchanges.
A Well-Known Voice to Remember
During the Israeli war on Gaza, Saleh Al-Jafrawi was one of the most well-known Palestinian media figures. He was well-known for his field reporting and photojournalism showing Israeli attacks on civilians.
He had used his Instagram account to show the destruction, displacement, and famine caused by two years of war. This made Palestinians admire him and Israeli authorities angry with him.
Palestinian media say that Israel put Al-Jafrawi on its "red list," which means he could be targeted, just like a number of other journalists, including Al Jazeera correspondents like Anas Al-Sharif.
Increasing Dangers for Journalists in Gaza
Al-Jafrawi's death is just one more journalist killed in Gaza during the conflict. It shows how dangerous it is for reporters to cover the worsening security situation in the enclave.
Press groups have repeatedly asked for international protection for journalists in Gaza, saying that targeted attacks and chaotic militia activity continue to put media workers in danger all over the territory.
