Qatar-based news network Al Jazeera has reported that one of its journalists was killed by an Israeli strike in Gaza on Saturday, marking another death among at least 260 Palestinian journalists who have been killed since Israel's war on Gaza began in October 2023.
Details of the strike
Ahmed Wishah, a cameraman for Al Jazeera, was killed in a strike targeting a house in the Bureij refugee camp in central Gaza, the broadcaster announced on its website. Al Jazeera said it "strongly condemns the heinous crime," adding: "This constitutes a new and flagrant violation of all international laws and norms, and reflects a continued systematic policy of targeting journalists and silencing the voice of truth."
Previous family tragedy
Ahmed's brother Mohammed was killed on 8 April this year by Israeli shelling while traveling in his vehicle, according to Palestinian civil defence authorities at the time.
Israeli military response
Following Ahmed's death, the Israeli military confirmed it carried out the strike but alleged that Wishah was a "Hamas terrorist." A military spokesperson told AFP: "The IDF (Israel Defense Forces) confirms it carried out a strike on Ahmed Wishah, who was a Hamas terrorist." The spokesperson did not immediately provide evidence to support the claim but said "there will be a statement issued with further details."
Journalist casualties in Gaza
At least 260 journalists have been killed since Israel's war on Gaza began in October 2023, according to the Committee to Protect Journalists. Al Jazeera has repeatedly condemned the killing of its staff and accused Israel of systematically targeting journalists.
