'Godfather' of Palestinian journalism Belal Jadallah killed in Israeli shelling

Palestinian journalists paid tribute to veteran correspondent Belal Jadallah, the chairman of the Gaza Press House, an organisation dedicated to training the region's future journalists. 

An Israeli strike killed Jadallah in Gaza on Sunday. Known locally as the "godfather of Palestinian journalists", Jadallah established the Gaza Press House in 2014. 

Ali Jadallah, Belal's brother, said he was determined to stay in Gaza City, believing he had a "moral duty to tell the world about what he was seeing".

"He spared no effort to support all freelance journalists, protecting them, arranging safety courses for them, and providing them with protective gear," he added. 

During the war, Jadallah worked hard to ensure the Press House offered support for journalists covering the bombardment of Gaza, including providing safety and technical equipment. 

Tor Wennesland, the United Nations special coordinator for the Middle East peace process, called Jadallah a “professional, knowledgeable and passionate journalist who dedicated his life for the freedom of journalism & protection of journalists”.

Husam Zumlot, the Palestinian ambassador to the UK, called his death “devastating” and called on “his killers to be brought to justice”.

READ MORE: 'Godfather' of Palestinian journalism Belal Jadallah killed in Israeli shelling