Reporting live from the Farhana school in Khan Younis, Al Jazeera journalists Samer Abudaqa and Wael Dahdouh were caught in the crossfire as Israel struck from the air on December 15. Dahdouh managed to escape with shrapnel wounds, while Abudaqa lay bleeding, unable to move.
Despite efforts to reach him, Abudaqa tragically succumbed to his injuries after five hours. His death is just one of over 130 journalists and media workers killed by Israel in Gaza since October 7, 2023.
This relentless targeting of media personnel has turned reporting into one of the deadliest professions in Gaza, with a mortality rate for journalists over 10 percent. And the assaults continue, with reporters being intentionally killed and media infrastructure destroyed.
Assassination in life and death
Israel’s military has repeatedly claimed slain journalists as armed fighters, but independent investigations often debunk these allegations. In one instance, the drone used by killed reporters was proved to be for journalistic purposes only.
Not only are journalists being targeted, but media offices have also been destroyed, forcing many outlets to cease operations. International media’s access to Gaza has been restricted since October 7, leaving Palestinian journalists to risk their lives documenting the conflict.
‘The goal is silence’
By targeting journalists, destroying media outlets, and preventing foreign media access, Israel aims to control the narrative and suppress the truth. This pattern of censorship and restriction highlights the military’s efforts to impose their version of events and silence dissenting voices.
