Qatar-based news network Al Jazeera has confirmed that one of its journalists, Ahmed Wishah, was killed by an Israeli strike in Gaza on Saturday. He is among at least 260 Palestinian journalists who have died since Israel's war on Gaza began in October 2023, according to the Committee to Protect Journalists.
Details of the Strike
Wishah, a cameraman for the network, was killed in a strike that targeted a house in the Bureij refugee camp in central Gaza, the broadcaster reported on its website. Al Jazeera said it 'strongly condemns the heinous crime', adding: 'This constitutes a new and flagrant violation of all international laws and norms, and reflects a continued systematic policy of targeting journalists and silencing the voice of truth.'
Previous Casualty in the Family
Ahmed's brother, Mohammed, was killed on 8 April 2024 by Israeli shelling while traveling in his vehicle, according to Palestinian civil defence authorities at the time.
Israeli Military Response
Following Ahmed's death, the Israeli military confirmed it carried out the strike but claimed Wishah was a 'Hamas terrorist'. An Israel Defense Forces spokesperson told AFP: 'The IDF confirms it carried out a strike on Ahmed Wishah, who was a Hamas terrorist.' The spokesperson did not immediately provide evidence to support the claim but said 'there will be a statement issued with further details'.
Broader Context
At least 260 journalists have been killed since the start of Israel's war on Gaza in October 2023, according to the Committee to Protect Journalists. Al Jazeera has repeatedly condemned the targeting of its staff and called for international accountability.
