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A Palestinian journalist lost his life on Monday, with nine others sustaining injuries—some critically—following an Israeli airstrike that targeted a tent utilized by local media in southern Gaza, according to medical sources and the local journalists’ union.
Video footage captured the chaotic scene as bystanders attempted to extinguish the flames engulfing the tent, located within the premises of Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis, during the early hours of that day. Reuters has confirmed the video’s authenticity based on the distinctive positioning and configuration of surrounding buildings and tents, as well as corroborating media reports.
Additional footage circulating on social media, though not verified by Reuters, suggested that the tent was completely destroyed, along with all the equipment and furniture it contained. Disturbing images purportedly showed a journalist engulfed in flames, along with another individual trying to aid him, which sparked widespread sharing online.
As of now, Israeli officials have not provided a comment regarding the incident.
Medical authorities reported that a second Palestinian also perished in the same attack.
WATCH | Palestinian journalist killed:
Palestinian journalist killed, 9 others wounded, in IDF strike on Gaza media tent
Following the tragic event, a significant number of journalists and family members attended the funeral for Helmi al-Faqawi, the deceased journalist. Mourners carried his body, draped in a white shroud, on a medical stretcher, with his blue flak jacket placed atop.
Abd Shaat, a fellow journalist, expressed, “We will continue to deliver the message and convey the truth to the whole world. This is our humanitarian duty,” noting that the group was awakened by the airstrike to find their colleagues’ tent ablaze.
Over 210 Journalists Killed Since October 2023, According to Journalism Group
The death of Faqawi brings the total number of journalists killed during Israel’s military campaign in Gaza to over 210 since October 2023, as reported by the Palestinian Journalists Syndicate.
In the Israeli-occupied West Bank, the Palestinian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates condemned Faqawi’s death, labeling it an act of “extra-judicial killing” designed to intimidate reporters and hinder media coverage of the ongoing conflict.
In total, local health authorities reported that Israeli airstrikes had resulted in at least 20 Palestinian fatalities across the Gaza Strip on that Monday alone.
Palestinian officials have stated that the ongoing Israeli offensive in Gaza has resulted in the deaths of over 50,000 Palestinians.
Israel initiated this military action following a large-scale assault by Hamas-led militants on October 7, 2023, which reportedly claimed 1,200 lives and resulted in the abduction of 251 individuals as hostages, according to Israeli sources.
Source
www.cbc.ca