Mohammed Salama: Photojournalist martyred before his wedding

Mohammad Salama, the photojournalist.. Press Satellites Prepared by: Tareq Washah

The late journalist Mohammad Saber Salama was born in the town of Abasan al-Kabira east of Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip on 11 November 2000, and grew up in its alleys.

He completed his primary and preparatory education in the schools of Abasan al-Kabira and finished secondary school in 2018. He then enrolled in a vocational college where he obtained a diploma in photography.

In February 2024, Mohammad joined Al Jazeera as a photographer in Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip, and was among the few journalists who insisted on remaining in the city during the Israeli army’s offensive in December 2023.

He only left under duress in February 2024, when the Israeli army stormed Nasser Hospital and forced displaced people, press and medical teams out to Rafah at gunpoint.

Mohammad was known among his colleagues for his bravery and professional dedication, insisting on covering events even in the most difficult moments. His camera never left his hand, making him a witness to crimes committed against his people and one of the most prominent photographers in Gaza.

On his birthday, 11 November 2024, he contracted marriage to journalist Hala Asfour. They postponed their wedding celebration in the hope of a truce or ceasefire, but fate did not allow it and he was killed before his dream could be realized.

Mohammad Salama the photojournalist

His fiancée, Hala Asfour, wrote about him in words full of pain and love:

“I don’t know how my eyelids will close tonight.”

On a day like this, 31/8/2025, I was supposed to be a bride walking to my Mohammad, wearing my white dream.

But in wartime, instead of opening the door to my joy, on the same day a house of mourning was opened for my husband, who was delivered to me as a martyr days earlier.

Between yesterday and today is the span of a lifetime; between postponed ululations and endless tears.

He left me but did not leave me, leaving in my heart a wedding crowned by loss and a union to grief.

His brother Ibrahim says: “Mohammad was helpful to his family, his friends and everyone. The last thing he did seconds before he was killed was to help a sick child. He gave his whole life to journalism to document his people’s suffering and to serve his country.”

He added: “We are very proud of him. His absence broke us and it is very painful, but he left an honorable legacy. Everyone loves you and prays for you. Say hello to Mama and take care of her. I missed her and you went to her. May God have mercy on you and grant us patience in your loss, our pillar.”

About his relationship with his fiancée Hala Asfour, his brother Ibrahim said they were colleagues at work and often went out together to cover events.

Mohammad Salama was killed on Monday, 25 August 2025, after an Israeli strike hit the reception area of Nasser Medical Hospital, which also killed four other journalists: Hussam al-Masri, Maryam Abu Daqa, Muath Abu Taha, and Ahmed Aziz.