Media Personnel Injured in Gaza Refugee Camp Assault, CNN Reporter Among Victims
During a targeted assault by Israeli tanks at Nuseirat camp, multiple media personnel, including a CNN stringer, sustained injuries. The incident was reported by Turkish state broadcaster TRT.
Several journalists, including a CNN stringer, were injured in an attack on a refugee camp in central Gaza. There is growing worry about media workers facing danger while reporting on Israel's military operations.
During a "targeted attack" by Israeli tanks at Nuseirat camp, where journalists were present, a cameraman and correspondent from TRT Arabi were injured. The Jerusalem bureau chief for Turkish state broadcaster TRT confirmed this, stating that one journalist is in critical condition due to the injuries sustained.
TRT cameraman Sami Shehada lost a leg during the incident, while the correspondent, Sami Barhoum, only suffered minor injuries.
The statement emphasized that this incident, which took place during conflict coverage, sheds light on the dangerous risks journalists encounter in conflict areas. The deliberate attack on media professionals, who were clearly marked with "PRESS" on their jackets, is just one example of the violence that has led to the deaths of 140 journalists since the conflict began.
CNN has reached out to the Israel Defense Forces for comment on the attack and on allegations that journalists were targeted at the camp.
Smoke billows following a strike in Nuseirat refugee camp, in central Gaza. Several journalists, including a CNN stringer, were injured in the attack on April 12.
Smoke billows following a strike in Nuseirat refugee camp, in central Gaza. Several journalists, including a CNN stringer, were injured in the attack on April 12.
AFP/Getty Images
Palestinian forced to flee the neighborhood in central Gaza carry their belongings.
Palestinian forced to flee the neighborhood in central Gaza carry their belongings.
CNN
A video captured by CNN shows Shehada being taken to Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital in Deir al-Balah. He arrives in an ambulance along with other journalists. Shehada's right leg is severed, and he is lying on the floor, struggling to breathe. Another journalist, CNN stringer Mohammad Al-Sawalhi, was also wounded by shrapnel. He suffered a slight injury to his right hand and bruises on his left leg, as reported by a hospital official.
"We were filming in a safe place. I was wearing my flak jacket and helmet, and even the car I was in had a PRESS and TV sign marked on it. It was clear that I was a civilian and a journalist. We were targeted," Shehada shared with CNN from his operating bed.
"It will not stop me from working, even if I have to walk on crutches. I will show the whole world the crimes of the Israeli occupation against civilians, people, and journalists. I am one of them and I will not leave my camera even if I die," he continued, sending well wishes to Al-Sawalhi.
Al-Sawalhi's video captured a scene at the camp where people were walking around, maneuvering donkey carts through rubble. Suddenly, artillery shelling targeted the area, causing chaos. In the video, we see men, women, and children frantically seeking cover inside shops, fearfully scanning for Israeli tanks before fleeing with their belongings in a state of panic.
The sound of repeated artillery fire and gunshots echoes in the near distance, adding to the intensity of the situation.
CNN interviewed Saleh, a man in his 70s, who was attempting to escape the area as Israeli tanks closed in on the camp. He mentioned to CNN that he had been injured by shrapnel.
Shortly after, a video captured Saleh crossing the street when heavy artillery fire struck the road just a few meters away from where Al-Sawalhi was filming. This forced Saleh to retreat and seek cover for safety.
People walk among the ruins of buildings destroyed by an Israeli strike on Nuseirat refugee camp.
People walk among the ruins of buildings destroyed by an Israeli strike on Nuseirat refugee camp.
Graphic footage from AFP/Getty Images captured the aftermath of the incident, showing Saleh with a severe head injury. He was rushed to Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital in Deir al-Balah for treatment, where Al-Sawalhi also sought medical assistance. Additional footage from CNN depicted several other injured individuals, including journalists, being brought to the hospital.
Israeli forces have increased their attacks on Nuseirat camp, which is situated north of Deir el-Balah, in the past few days. On Tuesday evening, an Israeli airstrike hit a residential building in the camp, resulting in the tragic death of 14 individuals, according to Dr. Khalil Al-Dikran, the spokesperson of the Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital, as reported by CNN.
Palestinians gather at Gaza City's damaged Omari Mosque during Eid on Wednesday.
Palestinians gather at Gaza City's damaged Omari Mosque during Eid on Wednesday.
AFP/Getty Images
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Israel’s military offensive in Gaza has resulted in the highest number of journalist deaths since the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) started recording data in 1992. According to CPJ's initial investigations as of April 12, 2024, at least 95 journalists and media workers have lost their lives in the conflict-ridden area.
UN experts have raised concerns, stating that the deliberate targeting and killing of journalists are considered as war crimes. They emphasized that journalists have been attacked despite being clearly identifiable with press jackets and helmets.
The UN experts stated in February that the attacks by Israeli forces on media personnel are a deliberate strategy to hinder the media and suppress critical reporting.
Reporting for CNN was contributed by Sana Noor Haq.
