A funeral ceremony is being held in the courtyard of Nasser Hospital for Reuters photojournalist Hossam al-Masri, Al Jazeera cameraman Mohammed Salameh, journalist Maryam Abu Deqqa, who worked with several media outlets including Independent Arabia and AP, and NBC News journalist Moaz Abu Taha, all of whom were killed in an Israeli attack on the hospital in Khan Yunis, Gaza on August 25, 2025. Photo: Abed Rahim Khatib/Anadolu via Getty Images
Letter from Wafa’ Abdel Rahman, director of Filastiniyat, on the lives and losses of Palestinian journalists Mariam Abu Daqqa and Mohammad Salameh
Long-term partner of IMS in Palestine, Filastiniyat, shares news of Israel’s killing of Mariam Abu Daqqa and Mohammad Salameh in Gaza.
“It is with a heavy heart – no – with a shock I cannot overcome that I write to you about Mariam.
Mariam was one of the women journalists staying at our work and shelter station in Khan Younis. She was the guardian of the station; though unpaid for her work, she performed it with immense love and devotion. Filastiniyat relied on her to ensure the station operated in accordance with our rules. She was the journalists’ timer, ensuring everyone was inside by the 7PM curfew. Each morning, she would open the doors, check all the supplies, and report on our needs.
She was neither the oldest nor the youngest among the women journalists, yet she naturally assumed the role of a mother, tough, when necessary, yet always passionate and tender.
Her loss is immense for Filastiniyat and the entire journalist community.
Our hearts are also shattered for our Khan Younis station resident and friend, Hala Asfour, who has just lost her fiancé and beloved, Mohammad Salameh. We witnessed their love story unfold during this genocide. Mohammad made a point to bring coffee to Hala at the station every day, trying to find for her things that are nearly impossible to get during the famine.
Just last week, we asked Hala to film a day in her life. For the first time, she confided in us that she and Mohammad felt death was drawing near. They had even wished to deactivate their social media and work quietly, under the radar.
Mohammad’s killing has left us reeling. It is heartbreaking to realize how palpably they felt this threat, and how tragically right they were.
May Mariam and Mohammad rest in peace. May Hala find some comfort in the beautiful memories of their far-too-short love story.”
-Wafa’ Abdel Rahman, director, Filastiniyat.
Learn more about IMS’s and Filastiniyat’s work in Palestine here.
