The killing of Samer Abudaqa, a journalist in Gaza, has once again shed light on the dangers faced by reporters in the conflict-ridden strip. Abudaqa, a cameraman for Arabic news outlet, was tragically hit by an Israeli attack while reporting at a school in Khan Younis. His colleague, Wael Dahdouh, who had already lost his wife, son, daughter, and grandson in a previous Israeli bombing, was also wounded in the attack. The incident has sparked outrage and calls for accountability from the international community.
Abudaqa and Dahdouh were dedicated journalists who worked tirelessly to cover the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas. They focused on highlighting the dire conditions faced by Palestinians in Gaza, where Israeli siege and bombardment have led to mass displacement and a humanitarian crisis. Abudaqa’s colleagues remember him as an exemplary journalist and a caring individual, a father of four who was beloved by those who worked alongside him.
“He was very close to me. We shared food and drinks together at night, and he would always ask how he could help us. He genuinely cared about our well-being,” shared Tareq Abu Azzoum, a colleague from Rafah in southern Gaza. Abudaqa had expressed hopes of reuniting with his family after the war and often showed photos of his children, proudly sharing their accomplishments.
Abudaqa’s tragic death has left a void among his colleagues, who remember him for his humor and joyful presence during their gatherings. Heba Akila, another colleague, described him as a wonderful human being. The loss of Abudaqa underscores the harsh reality that there is no safe place in Gaza and no immunity for anyone.
Dahdouh, who survived the attack, was brought to a nearby hospital for treatment. However, medical workers were unable to reach Abudaqa due to ongoing Israeli bombardments. Despite his injuries, Dahdouh expressed his determination to continue reporting on the war alongside his colleagues.
Since the start of the conflict on October 7, at least 63 reporters and media workers have been killed, according to the Committee to Protect Journalists. Of these, 56 were Palestinian, four were Israeli, and three were Lebanese. The international community has been urged to hold Israel accountable for its attacks on journalists. The situation has raised concerns about press freedom, with questions being asked about the motives behind the Israeli military’s restrictions on foreign journalists.
“I think this is now a press freedom issue. We have to ask ourselves what the Israeli military is trying to achieve and why they won’t let foreign journalists in,” said Tim Dawson, deputy general secretary of the International Federation of Journalists. The targeting of Palestinian journalists has been described as a terrifying and unforgivable act.
The loss of Samer Abudaqa serves as a tragic reminder of the risks journalists face while reporting in conflict zones. The international community must come together to demand justice and ensure the safety of reporters who risk their lives to bring us the truth.
