On October 12, 2025, Palestinian journalist Saleh Al-Jafarawi was shot and killed in the Sabra neighborhood of Gaza while covering violent clashes between the Hamas group and the Doghmush militia. According to several sources, including the Al Jazeera channel, Al-Jafarawi was wearing a press vest at the time of his death.
Al-Jafarawi, 28, was known for his viral videos supporting Hamas and dramatically documenting his alleged injuries during Israeli strikes. He had gained notoriety online and was nicknamed “Mr. FAFO” due to his multiple roles, including as a fighter, journalist and victim, which had sparked both mockery and accusations of propaganda.
Before his death, Al-Jafarawi said he lived in constant fear after receiving threats from Israeli forces. His death occurs in a context of inter-Palestinian violence, with clashes leaving at least 52 dead among members of the Doghmush clan and 12 Hamas militants.
Al-Jafarawi’s death is part of a broader context of repression of press freedom in Gaza. Since the start of the conflict in October 2023, more than 270 journalists have been killed in the region, making this conflict the deadliest for media workers.
United Nations experts have expressed outrage over the killing of six Palestinian journalists, including two women, in several Israeli strikes in Gaza, highlighting the need for international protection for journalists in conflict zones.
