Palestinian journalist, Saleh Al Jafarawi, missing in Gaza amid fragile ceasefire

Several Palestinian journalists including Abdallah Alattar from Rafah, southern Gaza, announced Saturday that Gazan journalist Saleh Al Jafarawi has been missing for several hours while covering events in Gaza City.

Alattar said communication with Al Jafarawi was lost during media coverage in the city, and that no reliable information has yet been obtained regarding his whereabouts or condition.

“We have lost contact with my colleague Saleh Al Jafarawi for hours during coverage in Gaza City. There is no real information about his fate. Please pray for him and may God keep him safe,” Alattar wrote.

Read more: 'Israel' kills seven more Gazans despite ceasefire

The report comes as Gaza remains in a fragile state following the recently declared ceasefire that ended two years of intense ‘Israeli’ bombardment across the Strip. Despite the pause in fighting, large parts of Gaza City remain in ruins, with limited access to communication, electricity, and humanitarian aid.

Throughout the war, Palestinian journalists have continued to risk their lives documenting the devastation and the human toll of the aggression. Media organizations have repeatedly called for greater protection of journalists in Gaza, where dozens have been killed or injured since the start of the war.

As residents cautiously return to some of the hardest-hit areas under the ceasefire, concerns remain for those still missing - including journalists like Al Jafarawi - who have been on the front lines bringing the stories of Gaza to the world.