Saleh al-Jafarawi

Their life

Saleh Al-Jafarawi was a widely followed Palestinian journalist and digital activist who became one of the most recognisable online voices from Gaza during the Israel–Hamas war. Known for his emotional and defiant video reports documenting daily life under bombardment, he amassed millions of followers across platforms. Despite repeated bans on social media and continuous targeting by Israeli propaganda outlets, his message — showing the human cost of war and the resilience of Gaza’s people — reached global audiences. His final work continued even after the ceasefire, reflecting his deep commitment to reporting from the ground.

Born around 1997 in Gaza City, Saleh Al-Jafarawi began his career as a protest organiser and later turned to citizen journalism and social media reporting. During the 2023–2025 Gaza war, he became one of the most watched independent reporters in the region. His videos captured both destruction and survival, often filmed amid active bombardments. Viewers around the world came to know him for his distinctive voice, passionate delivery, and courage in showing realities that were otherwise unseen.
Despite censorship and repeated social-media suspensions, Al-Jafarawi rebuilt his following each time, declaring that “no ban can silence the voice of Gaza.” He was outspoken against occupation and frequently denounced disinformation about Palestinians. His death came just days after he had spoken publicly about hoping for a period of peace following the ceasefire.

How they died

He was shot dead while filming in the Sabra neighborhood of Gaza City during clashes between Hamas security forces and an armed militia.

According to Al Jazeera Arabic and confirmed by the Sanad Verification Agency, Saleh was killed by gunfire from an armed militia described by Gaza’s Ministry of Interior as “affiliated with the Israeli occupation.”
Witness footage showed him lying motionless in his press vest, loaded onto the back of a truck after being retrieved from the scene. The clashes reportedly involved fighters from the Doghmush clan, a powerful Gaza family, though full details remain under investigation. He had gone missing that morning before his death was confirmed later in the day.

A plea from the family

As of mid-October 2025, no detailed public statement from Al-Jafarawi’s immediate family has been published. However, thousands of Gazans and followers worldwide have posted tributes calling him “the voice of Gaza” and a “martyr of truth.” Colleagues and activists have urged international media organisations to recognise his bravery and to protect independent journalists in Gaza from both internal and external violence.

Why we remember them

This record exists so that Saleh al-Jafarawi, and all who are named in this archive, are never reduced to a number.

References & sources