Mustafa Ayyad

Their life

Mustafa Ayyad was a young freelance Palestinian photojournalist who worked with Al Jazeera Live (Mubasher) and Al Jazeera Net. Known for his dedication to documenting the realities of life and war in Gaza, he continued his work amid the constant threat of bombardment. On May 6, 2024, an Israeli airstrike struck his home in the Zeitoun (Azzaytoun) neighborhood of northern Gaza, leaving him critically injured. He was rushed to Al-Maamadani Hospital, where he was pronounced dead upon arrival. Ayyad’s death has been condemned internationally, including by UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay, who called for respect for the protection of journalists and a full, transparent investigation into the tragedy.

Mustafa Ayyad was a Palestinian freelance photographer and photojournalist who contributed to Al Jazeera Live (Mubasher) and Al Jazeera Net, documenting the daily struggles, destruction, and resilience of the people of Gaza. His work provided an unfiltered look into the realities faced by civilians during the ongoing conflict. On May 6, 2024, while at his home in the Zeitoun district of northern Gaza, Ayyad was struck by an Israeli drone strike. According to reports, he sustained severe injuries to his head, heart, and liver. Despite efforts to save him, he succumbed to his wounds shortly after arriving at Al-Maamadani Hospital.
UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay publicly deplored his death, urging adherence to UN Security Council Resolution 2222/2015, which calls for the protection of journalists in conflict zones. His death adds to the growing number of journalists killed in Gaza since October 2023, a grim testament to the dangers faced by media professionals in war zones.

How they died

He was Killed by an Israeli airstrike on his home.

Mustafa Ayyad was critically injured when an Israeli drone strike hit his home in the Zeitoun neighborhood of northern Gaza. He suffered serious wounds to the head, heart, and liver. Despite being transported to Al-Maamadani Hospital for emergency treatment, he was declared dead upon arrival due to the severity of his injuries.

Why we remember them

This record exists so that Mustafa Ayyad, and all who are named in this archive, are never reduced to a number.

References & sources