A Palestinian journalist was fatally shot and nine others sustained injuries, some critically, when an Israeli airstrike struck a tent that was being utilized by local media in southern Gaza, as reported by medics and the local journalists’ union.
Video footage depicted individuals attempting to extinguish flames engulfing the tent, located within the grounds of the Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis, during the early hours of the morning.
Reuters verified the authenticity of the video through the positioning, layout, and design of nearby structures and tents. The date was corroborated by media reports and supporting videos.
Additional footage shared on social media, though not verified by Reuters, appeared to show that the tent had been completely consumed by fire, along with the furniture and equipment inside.
Later, numerous journalists and family members participated in the funeral for the deceased journalist, Helmy al-Faqawi.
Colleagues delicately carried his body, wrapped in a white shroud, on a medical stretcher with his blue flak jacket placed atop.
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“We will persist in delivering our message and conveying the truth to the entire world. This is our moral obligation,” stated fellow journalist Abd Shaath, who mentioned that they awoke to the sound of the strike and found their colleagues’ tent ablaze.
Mr. Faqawi’s death brought the total number of journalists killed during Israel’s campaign in Gaza to over 210 since October 2023, according to the Palestinian Journalists Syndicate.
Local health authorities reported that Israeli military strikes have resulted in the deaths of at least ten Palestinians across Gaza today.
Palestinian officials claim that more than 50,000 Palestinians have lost their lives due to the Israeli offensive in Gaza.
The offensive was initiated by Israel following an assault on communities in southern Israel by thousands of Hamas-led militants on October 7, 2023, which resulted in the deaths of 1,200 individuals and the abduction of 251 hostages, according to Israeli records.
