Gaza journalist from Cannes documentary killed in Israeli air raid

Gaza journalist from Cannes documentary killed in Israeli air raid

Fatima Hassouna, a war documentary filmmaker who has followed the conflict in Gaza for 18 months, was this week together with seven members of her family at a Israel " Air raid killed. Your life and work will be recognized at the Cannes Film Festival next month.

a legacy in pictures

"If I die, I want a loud death, I don't want to be mentioned in a news report or as a number in a group," wrote Hassouna in an Instagram contribution in August 2024. "I want the world to hear from my death that it leaves a lasting impression and that the imperishable images are neither buried by the time," added the photojournalist.

losses and injuries

The Ministry of Health in Gaza announced on Friday that Hassouna's parents survived the air raid, but suffered serious injuries and are in the intensive care unit.

reactions to the air raid

The Palestine Journalists ’Protection Center (PJPC) expressed his regret about the loss of Hassouna. The attack, which met their family house on Al-Nafaq-Straße in Gaza City, also demanded the life of several of their family members. The organization described the attack as a "crime" against journalists and as a violation of international law.

"Fatimas impressive photographs that document life under siege were published worldwide and highlighted the humanitarian consequences of the war," said the PJPC.

The point of view of the Israeli defense forces

The Israeli defense forces (IDF) said on Wednesday that the goal was "a terrorist from the Hamas Brigade in Gaza city" and that measures were taken to minimize the risk of civilians. "The terrorist planned and carried out terrorist attacks against IDF troops and Israeli civilians," said a explanation without giving any further details.

memories of Fatima Hassouna

Hamza Hassouna, Fatimas Cousin, reported CNN on Friday about the attack: "I sat when suddenly two rockets fell, one next to me and one in the living room. The house collapsed on us and everything was a disaster," he said.

Hassouna shared her photos on Facebook and Instagram, where she had more than 35,000 followers. Her pictures documented the challenges of everyday life in Gaza and life under Israeli bombing.

a moving documentation

She was also part of the documentary of Sepideh Farsi with the title "Put Your Soul On Your Hand and Walk", which was selected for the Acid section at the 78th Cannes Film Festival in May 2025. An explanation by the director describes the film as "a window, opened by a miraculous encounter with Fatima" in the "Ongoing Massacre of the Palestinians".

tribute to a Sunny person

After the news of Hassouna's death, the Iranian director Farsi shared a photo on social media on Friday, which she shows with Hassouna. "My last picture of her is a smile. I stick to it today," wrote Farsi next to the picture.

Farsi emphasized that Hassouna was "a very radiant and sunny person" who had an amazing smile. "She was naturally optimistic," added the director and remembered that they had worked on the documentary for more than a year.

a last contact

Farsi continued that she was last in contact with her one day before Hassouna's death to deliver her “Die Happy Embassy” about the documentary. "We both talked about that she would travel to France in May to present the documentary in Cannes with me because she is the main protagonist," said Farsi.

"I thought it was a mistake when I heard about her death," added Farsi. "I hope this documentary will illuminate your life in Gaza and serve your souvenir."

The statistics of journalistic losses

According to the PJPC, the number of journalists who have died in the Gaza Strip since October 7, 2023 has risen to 212, which, according to several journalists' associations, has a never before. The organization asked the international community to immediately investigate the incident and to be held accountable.