Two years ago, on July 31, 2024, Al Jazeera journalist Ismail al-Ghoul was killed in an Israeli airstrike in Gaza City’s Remal neighborhood. The news reached Ohood Nassar, a writer based in Gaza and a personal friend of al-Ghoul, while she was shopping with her sisters. The loss was particularly poignant for Nassar, who had personally known al-Ghoul and was encouraged by him to use her English skills to tell Gaza's story.

Al-Ghoul was a correspondent for Al Jazeera, known for reporting on the situation in Gaza. His death occurred during a period of intense conflict, making his work as a journalist documenting events on the ground both vital and perilous. Nassar recalled meeting al-Ghoul at al-Shifa Hospital while her family was displaced, seeking a way to charge her phone. Al-Ghoul, identifiable by his press vest, helmet, and Al Jazeera microphone, was in the midst of reporting.

After finishing his broadcast, al-Ghoul spoke with Nassar and encouraged her to "Invest in your English. Use it to carry our voice to the world." This advice resonated with Nassar, especially given the challenging circumstances of no electricity, internet, or opportunities for journalistic work. Al-Ghoul, affectionately called "Abu Zina" by Nassar's father, often spoke of his deep longing for his wife and young daughter, Zina, who had been displaced to southern Gaza.

Nassar's father would pray for al-Ghoul's reunion with his family, a sentiment met with smiles and embraces from the journalist. Al-Ghoul had recently shared the happy news of finally speaking with his wife and seeing Zina. He was also a close friend of Nassar's older brother, Oday, and they frequently spent time together.

Al-Ghoul's reporting for Al Jazeera aimed to bring the realities of Gaza to an international audience. His personal story, marked by a desire to reunite with his family amidst the ongoing conflict, highlighted the human cost of the war.

The circumstances of al-Ghoul's death underscore the dangers faced by journalists reporting from conflict zones. His death serves as a stark reminder of the risks involved in documenting events and the personal sacrifices made by those on the front lines of newsgathering.

Nassar continues to be motivated by al-Ghoul's words, striving to use her voice to share Gaza's narrative with the world, fulfilling the promise she feels she made to her late friend. The ongoing efforts to report from Gaza reflect a commitment to bearing witness and ensuring that stories from the region are heard globally.

The personal connection Nassar had with al-Ghoul provides a unique perspective on the impact of his death, moving beyond his professional role to the loss of a friend and a man with personal hopes and dreams.