Palestinian journalist Hassan Hamad was killed in an attack on his home in the Jabalia camp by Israeli forces, bringing the total number of journalists killed to 175 since the conflict began. Hamad, a 19-year-old freelance reporter whose work appeared on Al Jazeera and other networks, had been documenting the war in Gaza for over a year. His colleagues and the Gaza Government Media Office confirmed his death, stating that he had received threats before the attack.
According to Palestinian journalist Maha Hussaini, Hamad had been warned by an Israeli officer to stop filming in Gaza just days before his death. The officer had sent him a threatening WhatsApp message and made several calls, ordering him to cease his reporting. Despite the warnings, Hamad continued to document the conflict, ultimately paying the ultimate price for his dedication to journalism.
The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) condemned Hamad’s killing, stating that every time a journalist is harmed or silenced, the truth is also lost. The CPJ called for those responsible for such acts to be held accountable under international law. Hamad’s death has once again highlighted the dangers faced by journalists in conflict zones and the need to protect their freedom to report on events without fear of violence or censorship.
The Israeli government has not provided a statement on Hamad’s death, leaving questions about the circumstances surrounding the attack unanswered. As the international community mourns the loss of another journalist, calls for justice and accountability for those responsible continue to grow.
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Photo credit www.aljazeera.com