Gaza journalist killed in Israeli strike leaves heartfelt letter for her son

Mariam Abu Dagga, a Palestinian visual journalist, was killed on Monday in an Israeli double strike on the Nasser Medical Complex in Khan Younis in Gaza. She was 33 and had been freelancing for Associated Press (AP) since the start of the war.

Before her death, Abu Dagga left behind a touching letter for her young son, Ghaith. “Ghaith, you are the heart and soul of your mother. I want you to pray for me and not cry over me, so that I can remain happy. I want you to raise my head high, to work hard, excel, and be capable. I want you to become successful my beloved,” she wrote.

She reminded him of her love and sacrifices, saying, “I used to do everything just to make you happy, to keep you joyful and comfortable, and to provide everything for you. And when you grow up, get married, and have a daughter, name her Mariam after me.”

Also Read: Palestinian journalist killed in Israeli strike days before wedding

“You are my love, my heart, my support, my soul, and my son whom I am proud of. I will always be happy hearing of your good reputation. A trust I leave with you, Ghaith: your prayer, then your prayer, then your prayer, my dear.”

At least 20 people were killed in the strikes, including five journalists working with Reuters, AP, Al Jazeera and Middle East Eye, Gaza’s Hamas-run health ministry said.

Four health workers also lost their lives, according to the World Health Organization.

Footage from the scene showed a second strike hitting rescuers who had rushed in after the first explosion.