Palestine Journalist Killed Along With His Family In Gaza
Palestinian journalist Mohammed Al Raja along with his several family members were killed by an Israel airstrike on his home in the Al Nasr neighborhood in Gaza. The death of the journalist was announced through the video captured and shared by Palestinian journalist Motasem Mortaga on Monday.
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As per the preliminary investigation report of Committee to Protect Journalist (CPJ), at least 36 journalists and media workers were killed in the war since October 7. Journalists in Gaza plays vital role in bringing out the situations in Gaza to the world. Several prominent media houses depend on these journalists on the field to get updates on the ongoing war.
The journalists find it highly risky as they try to cover the conflict in the face of an Israel ground assault on Gaza city, devastating Israeli airstrike, communication blackout and extensive power outages. The Israel Defense Force (IDF) told Reuters and Agence France Press news agencies that no guarantee could be given to the safety of journalists working in the Gaza strip. But they have assured that the journalists of the agencies will not be targeted during the strike.
As per the initial findings, eight journalists are reported injured and three are missing. Meanwhile, eight journalists were reported missing.
In addition to the growing tally of journalists killed in Gaza, CPJ research has found 18 incidents in which journalists on their work field was targeted while carrying out their work. Several of them lost their families while covering the conflict. On October 25, Al Jazeera journalist Wael Al Dahdouh, bureau chief in Gaza lost his wife, son, daughter and grandson during the Israel airstrike on Nuseirat refugee camp in the center of Gaza. Multiple assaults, threats, cyberattacks, censorship, and killing of the family members were reported.
CPJ has also published the list of journalists who have lost their life in Gaza from the information obtained from sources in the region.
“CPJ emphasises that journalists are civilians doing important work during times of crisis and must not be targeted by warring parties,” said Sherif Mansour, the CPJ’s Middle East and North Africa programme coordinator. “Journalists across the region are making great sacrifices to cover this heartbreaking conflict. All parties must take steps to ensure their safety,” reports Guardian.
Last week, after an Israeli air strike killed Palestine TV reporter Mohammed Abu Hatab, Qatar-based broadcaster Al Jazeera quoted Palestinian journalists’ union as saying that 27 of its members have been killed in Gaza since October 7.
Meanwhile, heavy bombardment continues as the war enters 31st day amid communication blackout. The death toll in Palestine has risen to 9,770 since October 7. Israel Prime Ministry Netanyahu has rejected US calls for humanitarian pause and said that they are going on full steam ahead until all the hostages will be freed by Hamas.
