Palestinian photojournalist Fatima Hassouna killed in Israeli airstrike ahead of Cannes debut

Fatima Hassouna, a Palestinian photojournalist and the subject of the documentary Put Your Soul on Your Hand and Walk, was killed in an Israeli airstrike on Gaza City on Wednesday.

Hassouna, who gained international recognition for her photojournalism documenting the impact of the Israeli military atrocities on Gaza’s civilian population, was killed alongside nine members of her family. The strike directly targeted their home.

The tragic death came just 24 hours after it was announced that Hassouna’s documentary, directed by French-Iranian filmmaker Sepideh Farsi, was selected for the ACID (Association for the Diffusion of Independent Cinema) section at the Cannes Film Festival, scheduled for May 14-23. The film focuses on video conversations between Farsi and Hassouna, which began as part of a larger project on the unfolding events in Gaza. The director, who described Hassouna as “such a light” and immensely talented, shared the heartbreaking news, expressing deep sadness over the loss.

Farsi recalled their last conversation, where she told Hassouna that the documentary had been selected for Cannes and invited her to attend the screening. Hassouna had expressed interest in coming to Cannes, but only if she could return to Gaza afterward, highlighting her strong connection to her home despite the dangers surrounding her.

The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) reported that at least 157 journalists have been killed in Gaza since the war began in October 2023. Farsi speculated that Hassouna’s death could have been targeted due to her work documenting the events in Gaza. “I even feel guilty... maybe they targeted her because the film was announced,” Farsi said, acknowledging the uncertainty of the situation.

The Israeli military claimed that the bombing targeted the building because a Hamas officer was allegedly inside, a claim Farsi strongly rejected. The news of Hassouna’s death was met with shock and grief, particularly by France’s Association for the Diffusion of Independent Cinema, which had been promoting the documentary. The association expressed its horror, stating that it had watched Hassouna's resilience and strength shine through her photography and her work despite the constant threats surrounding her.