Outcry and Outrage: Another Palestinian Journalist Falls Victim in Gaza, Exposing Lack of Global Protection
A Palestinian journalist and his 11 family members were tragically killed in Gaza after an alleged Israeli airstrike on their home The international community must address the urgent need for greater protection of journalists in conflict zones
A Palestine TV correspondent and 11 members of his family were killed on Thursday in southern Gaza, according to the Palestinian Authority-run television network. They were reportedly victims of an Israeli airstrike. Mohammad Abu Hattab, who had been reporting live outside Nasser hospital in Gaza, was killed shortly after returning home. The news agency WAFA also confirmed his death and that of his family.
The Israeli military did not provide a comment regarding the incident, and CNN could not verify the source of the explosion at the house independently. Palestine TV has not presented any evidence directly linking the incident to an Israeli attack.
The news of Hattabs death caused a wave of shock in his newsroom. In an emotional on-air report, Palestine TV journalist Salman Al Bashir moved a television anchor to tears.
"We can no longer endure this situation. We are deeply fatigued, reduced to being helpless victims and martyrs, awaiting our inevitable demise one by one. No one shows any concern for us or acknowledges the immense scale of the catastrophe and the injustices occurring in Gaza," he expressed.
"There is absolutely no form of protection, no international safeguards in place, and no immunity granted to us. Neither this protective gear nor these helmets offer any true shield," Al Bashir emphasized, as he took off his own helmet and protective vest, which prominently displayed the word "PRESS" in bold letters.
"These slogans are mere symbols, offering no protection to journalists," he stated, his voice trembling.
Al Bashir further expressed how the prolonged Israeli airstrikes on the enclave had become overwhelmingly unbearable for the Palestinians in Gaza. "On live broadcasts, we witness a continuous loss of lives, without any consequence. We are regarded as martyrs, patiently anticipating our turn one by one," he lamented.
Just half an hour ago, our colleague Mohammad Abu Hattab was present at this very spot. However, he has now departed from us, along with his spouse, sibling, and numerous other family members who have unfortunately become victims and are currently situated within this hospital.
In Gaza City, following the second bombardment on November 1, Palestinians diligently carry out a search and rescue mission as a man sits amidst the debris. Credited to Ali Jadallah/Anadolu/Getty Images.
Israel's aerial bombings of UN shelters have been reported by an official, while simultaneously declaring the full encirclement of Gaza city. The airstrikes, aimed at Hamas militants and their infrastructure according to Israel, have resulted in a devastating toll. With the latest numbers provided by the Palestinian Ministry of Health in Ramallah, sourced from the Hamas-controlled enclave, the death toll stands at a minimum of 9,025 people, with over 22,000 individuals left injured.
The strikes commenced following a violent incursion by Hamas militants into Israel on October 7, resulting in the death of over 1,400 Israelis and the abduction of more than 220 hostages. Subsequently, Israeli warplanes have targeted densely inhabited areas, educational institutions, and medical facilities in Gaza, provoking widespread condemnation both locally and internationally.
Despite assurances from the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) urging Gazans to relocate to the southern regions of the enclave, even this area has been subjected to relentless and fatal assaults. Humanitarian organizations contend that there is no safe haven within Gaza to seek refuge.
According to a video from Palestine TV, Hattabs recently reported on the Israeli airstrikes in Khan Younis, detailing the number of casualties and its impact on the neighborhoods. The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) states that Israels ongoing conflict with Hamas, who governs Gaza, has resulted in the highest number of journalist fatalities in decades. As of Thursday, the CPJ reported that 33 journalists have lost their lives since October, comprising of 28 Palestinians, four Israelis, and one Lebanese citizen.
Last week, Al Jazeeras Gaza bureau chief returned to air less than 24 hours after his family was killed in what the television network said was an Israeli airstrike on Wednesday.
