Mohammed al-Daya, 38, a Palestinian journalist and social media editor for the Palestinian Information Center, a media outlet close to Hamas, was killed on September 27, 2025, when an Israeli drone fired a missile that hit the tent where his family was living in Deir al-Balah, central Gaza.
His wife, Amani Safi, told CPJ that they had fled their home in the Karama Towers area north of Gaza City just five days earlier. “At around 11:30 a.m., an Israeli drone strike hit Mohammed while he was outside the tent, killing him instantly. My children and I were only a few meters away,” she said.
“Mohammed wished for the war to end so he could continue caring for our twins, especially as they have not eaten properly for six months due to famine. He worked with all his strength to provide them with food,” she added.
Just hours before his death, Daya posted on his Facebook praying for Gaza’s protection: “O Lord, keep Gaza in Your protection and do not allow the oppressors a path to it.”
His outlet, the Palestinian Information Center, published an article mourning his death, describing him as a victim of direct Israeli targeting.
CPJ emailed the IDF’s North America Media Desk seeking comment on Daya’s killing but did not receive a response.
