“Never say that those martyred in the cause of Allah are dead—in fact, they are alive! But you do not perceive it.” (Quran 2:154)
With heavy hearts and broken souls, the United Liberation Front for Palestine confirms the martyrdom of journalist, reporter, photographer, and dear friend Hossam Shabat, who was directly targeted by Zionist forces in North Gaza moments ago.
As he rushed to document yet another massacre near Jabalia, an Israeli drone strike pursued and killed him, along with others who were with him. Only just an hour before, Hossam was reporting on the martyrdom of another journalist—Mohammed Mansour. Hossam was a witness, a voice that could not be silenced, no matter how difficult the circumstances were. And for that, they murdered him.
At just 25 years old, Hossam was already an incredibly talented reporter, working with Al Jazeera Mubasher to bring the world the stories that the Zionist entity fights so hard to erase. He was relentless in his pursuit of the truth, courageous in the face of immeasurable cruelty, and dedicated to ensuring that the world could not look away.
Many of us knew Hossam beyond his reporting. He was an active presence in Twitter Spaces, always willing to speak with us, to give real-time updates when he can, and to share what he saw with his own eyes. He was more than a journalist—we considered him a friend, and a powerful voice for the people of Gaza. Before his martyrdom, he left us all his last words:
"If you're reading this, it means I have been killed —most likely targeted-by the israeli occupation forces. When this all began, I was only 21 years old-a college student with dreams like anyone else. For past 18 months, I have dedicated every moment of my life to my people. I documented the horrors in northern Gaza minute by minute, determined to show the world the truth they tried to bury. I slept on pavements, in schools, in tents-anywhere I could.
Each day was a battle for survival. I endured hunger for months, yet I never left my people's side.
By God, I fulfilled my duty as a journalist. I risked everything to report the truth, and now, I am finally at rest-something I haven't known in the past 18 months. I did all this because I believe in the Palestinian cause. I believe this land is ours, and it has been the highest honor of my life to die defending it and serving its people.
l ask you now: do not stop speaking about Gaza. Do not let the world look away. Keep fighting, keep telling our stories-until Palestine is free."
His loss is devastating, and our grief is immeasurable. But we will not let his voice be silenced. We will carry forward his mission, his passion, and his unwavering commitment to Palestine and its liberation.
Hossam, we mourn you, we honor you, and we promise—your voice will not die.
May we recall your name at the hour of liberation, and may we see the speedy destruction of the Zionist entity.
The United Liberation Front for Palestine
Statement — March 24th 2025