Al-Jazeera accuses Israel of 'targeted killing' after two journalists die in missile strike

In a tragic incident, Al Jazeera reported death of two Palestinian journalists, Hamza Wael Dahdouh and Mustafa Thuria, in the Gaza Strip, attributing it to an Israeli strike on their car. The network claims this was a “targeted killing.” The journalists, also affiliated with AFP and other news organizations, were on their way to cover news in the Gaza Strip when the attack occurred. A third journalist, Hazem Rajab, sustained serious injuries. The health ministry in Hamas-run Gaza confirmed the deaths and pointed to an Israeli strike. Eyewitnesses revealed that two rockets hit the journalists’ car, causing their sudden deaths. The Israeli army stated it targeted a “terrorist” operating an aircraft posing a threat to IDF troops, acknowledging the additional casualties. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken called the deaths an “unimaginable tragedy,” expressing concern for innocent lives on both sides. Al Jazeera strongly condemned the incident, accusing Israel of violating press freedom principles. Hamza’s father, Wael al-Dahdouh, Gaza bureau chief for Al Jazeera, was recently wounded in a separate strike, having lost his wife and two children earlier in the conflict. AFP’s global news director condemned the attacks on journalists and called for a clear explanation of the incident. At the funeral, Wael Dahdouh passionately appealed for the world to see the situation from the Palestinian perspective. The journalist Mustafa Thuria, who had worked with AFP since 2019, leaves a void in the media community. This tragic event adds to the toll of journalists affected by the Israel-Hamas conflict. Reporters Without Borders’ Christophe Deloire expressed shock, emphasizing the dire situation and referring to it as a “never-ending slaughter.” The Committee to Protect Journalists reports at least 79 journalists, mostly Palestinian, have lost their lives since the conflict began. This incident follows a similar case in May 2022 when Al Jazeera journalist Shireen Abu Akleh was killed during an Israeli raid in the West Bank. The ongoing conflict, which began with Hamas militants crossing into Israel, has resulted in a significant number of casualties. Israel’s commitment to eradicating Hamas has led to relentless bombings in Gaza, causing a devastating impact on civilians. As the international community grapples with the consequences of this conflict, the media faces increasing challenges in reporting the realities on the ground. The tragic loss of journalists highlights the pressing need for a peaceful resolution to the Israel-Hamas conflict.