An Al Jazeera journalist was killed in a reported Israeli attack in northern Gaza while wearing a press flak vest, as confirmed by a colleague. The incident occurred in Al-Shati refugee camp, where they were reporting near the family home of a Hamas political leader.
Witnesses stated that a direct strike resulted in the deaths of the journalist and his cameraman. The journalist was documenting the suffering of the people of Gaza at the time of the attack. Another journalist who was with the crew reported seeing a missile hitting their vehicle, which was later shown in video footage as a burnt-out shell.
The Israel Defense Forces have been informed of the details of the strike and are expected to provide a response. This tragic event adds to the toll of journalists affected during the Israeli military campaign in Gaza, making it the deadliest period for journalists since 1992. According to the Committee to Protect Journalists, at least 111 journalists and media workers have been killed since October, with the majority being Palestinian.
Human rights organizations have consistently called for the protection of journalists in the conflict-ridden region. In a statement earlier this year, United Nations experts condemned targeted attacks and killings of journalists as war crimes, emphasizing the need for safeguarding the lives of those reporting from the frontlines.
