Palestinian Journalist 46 years old Amal Al-Shammali Killed in Israeli Airstrike, Raising Toll of journalists in Gaza

Zawayda, Gaza Strip – Early Monday, the life of Palestinian journalist Amal Hamad Al-Shammali (46) was cut short when an Israeli airstrike struck her family’s tent in the town of Zawayda, central Gaza. The attack not only claimed her life but also left her children and other family members critically injured.

Al-Shammali, a correspondent for Qatar Radio, was widely regarded as a dedicated voice for Palestinian families, documenting their daily struggles and relaying their stories to the world. Yet in a stark illustration of the risks facing media workers in Gaza, her role as a truth-teller made her a direct target.

Her sister, Fatima Shammali, recounted the harrowing moments following the strike: "We heard missiles raining down on civilian tents. Amal’s tent was among the victims. What crime did they commit besides reporting the truth? They were only preparing food for their children and were not part of any military conflict." She added, "The world speaks of ceasefires, but we lose our loved ones every day. We don’t know whether we will wake up to a new life or to death."

Amal’s mother and brother were also critically injured, leaving the household engulfed in both destruction and grief. The family describes the attack as a vivid reflection of the extreme danger facing civilians and journalists in Gaza, where no one is safe from indiscriminate or targeted strikes—even those whose only mission is to report the truth.

The family notes that Amal’s death brings the number of Palestinian journalists killed since the start of the Israeli assault on Gaza on October 7, 2023, to over 260, highlighting a pattern of targeting media workers. They stress that such attacks are not accidental, but part of a deliberate effort to silence Palestinian journalism and prevent the international community from witnessing events on the ground.

Despite the personal loss, the family emphasizes that the deaths of journalists will not deter Palestinian media from continuing its work. Each fallen journalist serves as a testament to the resilience of truth, reminding the world that the Palestinian narrative cannot be silenced. In Zawayda, the strike left a profound wound in the hearts of those who loved Amal, yet it has not diminished the determination of those committed to sharing Gaza’s voice with the world.

By Salma Kaddoumi