Chicago – April 19, 2025
Fatima Hassouna, a war documentarian who spent 18 months covering the conflict in Gaza, was killed in an Israeli airstrike this week along with seven members of her family. Hassouna, who was known for sharing powerful photos of life under siege, had expressed in an Instagram post in August 2024 that she wanted her death to have a lasting impact, with her images remembered forever.
The Gaza health ministry confirmed that Hassouna’s parents survived the attack on Wednesday but are in critical condition in the hospital. The Palestinian Journalists’ Protection Center (PJPC) condemned the strike, calling it a violation of international law and a crime against journalists. The attack targeted her family’s home on Al-Nafaq Street in Gaza City.
Hassouna’s photos, shared with more than 35,000 followers on social media, highlighted the struggles of daily life in Gaza amid Israeli bombings. She was also featured in a new documentary, Put Your Soul On Your Hand And Walk, which is set to be screened at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival. The documentary gives viewers a glimpse into the ongoing suffering of Palestinians through Hassouna’s work.
