‘On a journey’: Family mourns Hossam Shabat, journalist killed by Israel

Mal Shabat is painful and delirious.

She is crying and is unable to comprehend that her 23-year-old son, a “martyr,” was being killed by Israel in order to make sure the world knew what was happening in Gaza. He had always said he would die.

She tries to say, “My son is a martyr, Hossam… My son is a hero,” in a halting manner. ”

Israel targeted attack on Hossam Shabat’s vehicle on Monday, killing him, an Al Jazeera Mubasher journalist.

Mother’s suffering

Amal is a resident of Hossam’s “Dar Azaa” (house of condolences), a place where visitors can pay their respects to the family.

She breaks down and presses her head against the shoulder while surrounded by female relatives. The women tell her that Hossam died a hero and is beloved by everyone, and offer their best consolation.

According to his family, Hossam used his movements and connections to provide humanitarian aid to those in need who were unable to access it, in addition to his journalistic work.

According to Amal’s sister, “He’s appeared in people’s dreams.” He appeared radiant, like a bridegroom. ”

Turning to such omens is thought to bring some relief to the bereaved in times of great pain.

Refusing to leave the north

Resigning and shedding both of their 28-year-old brothers, Alamal and Mahmoud, speak to Al Jazeera Mubasher on several occasions.

The son she returned to the north of Gaza is a subject of an attempt by Amal to depict him, but an Israeli attack knocks him out.

He walked with us part way when we were moved to the south, but he was reluctant to leave. I called and begged him to come throughout Nuseirat [in central Gaza], but he refused. ”

Because he was aware that without coverage, the violence would be brushed under the carpet, Mahmoud claims, Hossam was determined to document Israel’s attacks in the north of Gaza. Hossam continued to reside in the north, according to him.

After a ceasefire was established in late January, the family managed to reunite with Hossam in Gaza City. Even so, according to Amal, it was difficult to spend time with him, and she ended up staying where he was employed.

Mother, what are you doing here, Mother? When I went to find him, he would ask, she says. I would respond, “I was just there to spend some time with him,” he said. ”

knowing that he would pass away

Hossam had begun to tell his family that he knew Israel would murder him but that he felt it was his duty to carry on his work in the war.

According to Mahmoud, “He knew, he knew, being a journalist in Gaza, to tell the truth, meant that he would be killed,” adding that Hossam had previously been threatened and had already managed to avoid being killed once.

Amal says it wasn’t easy for her to watch her son flee into danger. He would fly, he would fly, and he was like a bird whenever someone called him, whenever someone said something happened somewhere.

He would travel there whenever there was destruction or death. I would warn him to stay away from danger because I was afraid.

He replied, “Mother, it is written that if you hid me in your arms, they would murder me, even if I were at home. ’

He would say to me, “I’m a martyr, I know it.” Simply put, I’m on a journey. ”

She claims that as a result, she would wait for him every morning to find out whether he was dead or alive. Soon, she began to worry that ringing phones would bring bad news.

A child’s heart

A larger-than-life character, full of love, joy, and always willing to help, was interviewed by Hussam’s colleagues on Al Jazeera’s Arabic website.

With his voice and camera, Hussam touched the suffering of others. He completely understood the suffering of the people in the shelters and tents, according to Mohamed Quraiqaa of Al Jazeera.

He was present throughout displacements, during Israeli bombardment, and when people died. ”

Even other journalists would urge him to take it easy and be more cautious as he continued to advance, according to his journalist friend Youssef Fares.

Hussam had the heart of a large child, and he was very innocent. However, he made an overdose of impulsivity.

When the bombing became too much, he would retreat, but he would advance further to conceal it. He frequently frightened us. ”

I could at least bury him, I thought.

Mahmoud’s eyes are red and his voice soft when he begins to speak.

Hussam wished to reveal the entire truth. He allegedly stated that he wanted to share that information with the world. He would say, “The coverage will continue,” without exception. Even if death is the price, it will continue. ’”

Mahmoud tries not to cry as he breaks down, his words suffocating as he looks to the side.

He says haltingly, his lips trembling, and it appears as though a massacre never occurred, if no one records it.

Hossam was the hero of the movie, and someone had to do it. He repeatedly told us he couldn’t stop, despite our best efforts to do so, and even if he did, the Israeli occupation would never pardon him for being a journalist. ”

During their conversation about what they would do if Hossam were killed while they were away, their conversation frequently turned to what they would do.

As he attempted to stop crying, Mahmoud said, “We were actually talking and wondering how.” How would we plan a “Dar Azaa” for Hossam if it were to be held in the tent camp.

However, God was merciful in the end. We barely saw him, but he was strong enough to allow us to return and spend 30 to 40 days with him.

I reportedly thanked God for inviting me to walk in his burial procession and lay him to rest.

Source: Aljazeera