Gaza photojournalist who wrote, ‘If I die, I want a resounding death’ killed in Israeli airstrike

CNN - Apr 18th, 2025
Open on CNN

Fatima Hassouna, a renowned war documentarian known for her impactful coverage of Gaza, was killed along with seven of her family members in an Israeli airstrike. Hassouna's compelling photography highlighted the human impact of the ongoing conflict. Her death was confirmed by Gaza's health ministry, which reported her parents were critically injured. The Palestinian Journalists’ Protection Center condemned the attack as a violation of international law. The Israel Defense Forces stated the target was a Hamas terrorist, but did not provide further details. Hassouna's work is featured in a new documentary set to premiere at the Cannes Film Festival.

The loss of Hassouna has sparked calls for an international investigation into the targeting of journalists in conflict zones, with 212 journalists reportedly killed in Gaza since October 2023. Her work, celebrated for its raw depiction of life under siege, will continue to be shown globally, aiming to raise awareness about the Palestinian plight. Iranian director Sepideh Farsi, who collaborated with Hassouna, expressed grief and disbelief at her passing, hoping the film would honor Hassouna's legacy. The incident highlights the dangers faced by journalists in war zones and the pressing need for accountability and protection.

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RATING

7.8
Fair Story
Consider it well-founded

The article provides a compelling and well-rounded account of Fatima Hassouna's death, effectively balancing personal narrative with broader conflict context. It scores highly in accuracy, clarity, and timeliness, offering a detailed and engaging report supported by credible sources. While the article includes multiple perspectives, it could benefit from deeper exploration of the IDF's claims to enhance balance. Overall, it successfully highlights significant issues of press freedom and civilian safety, contributing to public discourse on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

RATING DETAILS

8
Accuracy

The story accurately reports the death of Fatima Hassouna and her family members in an Israeli airstrike, which is supported by multiple sources. The article mentions Hassouna's role as a photojournalist and her work being featured in a documentary, aligning with reported facts. However, the exact number of family members killed varies slightly across sources, which introduces a minor discrepancy. The IDF's claim of targeting a Hamas militant lacks detailed verification within the article, suggesting an area that could benefit from further evidence or clarification.

7
Balance

The article presents multiple perspectives, including statements from the Palestinian Journalists' Protection Center, the IDF, and Hassouna's family and neighbors. While it provides a platform for both sides of the conflict, it leans slightly towards highlighting the impact of the strike on civilians and journalists. The IDF's viewpoint is included but lacks depth, potentially leading to perceived favoritism towards the Palestinian narrative. Additional context on the broader military operations could enhance balance.

9
Clarity

The article is well-written, with clear language and a logical structure that guides the reader through the events surrounding Hassouna's death. It effectively uses quotes and narratives to humanize the story and maintain engagement. The tone remains neutral, allowing the facts to speak for themselves. A minor improvement could be made in elaborating on the IDF's statements to prevent potential confusion.

8
Source quality

The article cites credible sources such as CNN, the Palestinian Journalists' Protection Center, and the Israeli Defense Forces, contributing to its reliability. These sources are well-regarded and provide authority to the claims made. However, the lack of direct quotes or detailed statements from the IDF might affect the perception of completeness. Including more diverse sources, such as independent military analysts, could further enhance source quality.

7
Transparency

The article is transparent about its sources and provides context for Hassouna's work and the circumstances of her death. However, it could improve by explaining the methodology behind the casualty figures reported by the PJPC and verifying the IDF's claims about the targeted individual. Greater transparency in these areas would strengthen the article's credibility and reader trust.

Sources

  1. https://www.wsws.org/en/articles/2025/04/19/uger-a19.html
  2. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fkgwNN0sujk
  3. https://www.indiatoday.in/world/story/if-i-die-gaza-photojournalist-fatima-hassouna-killed-in-airstrike-her-final-wish-glbs-2711303-2025-04-19
  4. https://www.newarab.com/news/killing-gazas-eye-who-was-photojournalist-fatima-hassouna
  5. https://petapixel.com/2025/04/18/palestinian-photojournalist-fatima-hassouna-and-family-killed-by-israeli-airstrike-after-cannes-film-festival-acceptance/