File Photo: Palestinian activist and journalist Saleh Al-Jaafarawi. Photo courtesy of Saleh Al-Jaafarawi Facebook page.
Activists on social media circulated photos of the journalist shortly after his death, confirming that he had been kidnapped by the Doghmush clan and executed by its gunmen.
Earlier reports indicated that Al-Jaafrawi, 28, had been missing for several hours after communication with him was lost during his media coverage in Gaza City.
An Al Jazeera correspondent reported that gunmen targeted several young men in the Sabra neighbourhood that morning, including Al-Jafrawi, who was shot seven times.
Al-Jaafarawi was a prominent Palestinian influencer known for his outspoken social media presence and coverage of Israel’s war on Gaza, as well as his involvement in humanitarian efforts.
His body was reportedly received at the Baptist Hospital in the Zeitoun neighbourhood in southern Gaza City.
A senior official from Gaza’s Ministry of Interior told Al Jazeera that clashes erupted in Gaza City between security forces and “an armed militia affiliated with the occupation,” resulting in multiple deaths and injuries. Later, security sources confirmed that security forces had regained full control over the armed militia in Gaza City and were conducting a thorough combing operation.
Several suspects accused of executing displaced Palestinians and collaborating with the occupation were killed during the confrontations. Additionally, around 60 militia members were arrested and transferred to secure locations for further investigations.
According to Quds Press, the Resistance Security Apparatus conducted a precise operation in southern Gaza, neutralizing a key figure identified as (A.T.), a prominent member of the Yasser Abu Shabeb militia responsible for the recruitment of collaborators with Israel.
Video footage circulating on social media shows intense clashes between security forces and the gunmen in Sabra.
Throughout Israel’s war on Gaza, it has been reported that armed militias such as the Abu Shabab and the Doghmush clan have operated with tacit support to undermine security and sow chaos within the territory.
They have frequently targeted civilians and diverted humanitarian aid. With a ceasefire now in place, security forces are reportedly cracking down on these militias to restore order.
Hamas has recalled hundreds of members of its security forces to re-establish law and order over areas recently vacated by the Israeli occupation army after the ceasefire went into effect on Saturday.
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