The promise I made to Ismail al-Ghoul
An author reflects on their personal relationship with Al Jazeera journalist Ismail al-Ghoul, who was killed by Israeli aircraft on July 31, 2024. Al-Ghoul had encouraged the author to use English-language skills to tell Gaza's story to the world, a promise the author says they continue to keep two years after his death.
The author describes meeting Ismail al-Ghoul at al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City while sheltering there after displacement. Al-Ghoul was reporting for Al Jazeera when the author's father introduced them. During their brief initial conversation, al-Ghoul advised the author to develop English-language abilities and use them to amplify Gaza's narrative internationally.
Over subsequent months, al-Ghoul became a close family friend beyond his role as a journalist. The author's father affectionately called him "Abu Zina," referencing al-Ghoul's young daughter from whom he had been separated by the conflict. Al-Ghoul frequently expressed his longing to be reunited with his wife and daughter, who had been displaced to southern Gaza. He eventually managed to speak with his wife and see his daughter, which brought him visible joy.
Al-Ghoul also developed a friendship with the author's older brother, Oday, and visited the author's father when he was injured during displacement at the hospital. He promised to prepare a special meal once the father recovered. On July 31, 2024, al-Ghoul was killed in an Israeli airstrike. The author states they have continued to honor al-Ghoul's encouragement by using their voice to tell Gaza's story, maintaining the promise made during their friendship.
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