Imagine your final images, captured just moments before a devastating event. That was the reality for journalist Mariam Dagga in Gaza. Her last photos offer a raw, heartbreaking glimpse into the perils of reporting from a conflict zone. What does it truly mean to risk everything for a story?
The final images captured by freelance visual journalist Mariam Dagga offer a harrowing and profound glimpse into the final moments before her untimely death during an Israeli strike at Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis, southern Gaza Strip. Her camera, a tool for truth, became a silent witness to the escalating conflict, documenting the chaos and the devastating human cost just before she too became a casualty.
On Monday, August 25, 2025, a series of Israeli strikes targeted the vicinity of Nasser Hospital. Dagga, a dedicated reporter who regularly freelanced for The Associated Press and other international outlets, was on assignment, documenting the aftermath of an initial strike when a second, more catastrophic attack occurred in the same location, claiming her life and many others.
Dagga’s last photographs, retrieved days later from her blood-stained camera, vividly depict people navigating a damaged stairwell outside the hospital, a stark image of the immediate aftermath of the first strike. These images, now imbued with tragic foresight, capture ordinary individuals attempting to process events, unaware of the impending second strike that would bring further devastation and claim Mariam’s life.
The double strike at Nasser Hospital resulted in the deaths of at least 22 individuals, a tragic toll that included five journalists, underscoring the extreme dangers faced by reporters covering the Gaza conflict. Mariam Dagga’s commitment to documenting the truth, even in the face of such profound peril, highlights the critical role of independent journalism in war zones amidst a deepening humanitarian crisis.
Beyond her professional dedication, Mariam Dagga was a mother. Days before her death, she penned a poignant letter to her son, Ghaith, a deeply personal reflection on her love and her hopes for him. This letter, later read aloud by Algeria’s ambassador to the United Nations, offered a heartbreaking testament to her humanity and the personal sacrifices made by those who report from the front lines.
The international community has reacted with profound sadness and condemnation. Amar Bendjama, Algeria’s ambassador to the U.N., held up Dagga’s photo at the Security Council, describing her as a “young and beautiful mother” whose only weapon was her camera. His emotional address amplified her voice, reiterating her wish for her son to pray, not to cry, for her upon her death.
Mariam Dagga’s tragic passing serves as a stark reminder of the immense risks associated with war reporting and the urgent need for greater protection for journalists operating in conflict areas. Her legacy, etched in her final images and heartfelt words, reinforces the invaluable importance of a free press and the unwavering courage of those who dedicate their lives to sharing critical stories with the world.
