Al Jazeera cameraman dies after missile strike in Gaza's Khan Younis, channel says

December 15, 2023

An Al Jazeera cameraman injured in a missile strike on Gaza has died, the broadcaster says.

Two journalists working for the Qatari-based television network were hurt in the blast in southern Gaza, the channel reported earlier today.

Cameraman Samer Abu Dakka has now died from his injuries, Al Jazeera says.

Chief correspondent Wael al Dahdouh was also wounded when a drone fired a missile at a school-turned-shelter in the southern city of Khan Younis.

Shrapnel from the attack hit Mr Dahdouh in his right arm. He was later taken to Nasser hospital for treatment, according to the channel.

Mr Dakka also suffered shrapnel injuries and paramedics struggled to reach him, Hani Mahmoud, another Al Jazeera journalist, reported.

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In a statement paying tribute to Mr Dakka, Al Jazeera said: "It is with heavy hearts that we share the devastating news of the loss of our dedicated Al Jazeera cameraman Samer Abu Dakka during the recent coverage in Gaza.

"His unwavering commitment to truth and storytelling has left an indelible mark on our team.

"Samer, whose lens captured the raw and unfiltered reality of life in Gaza, was not just a skilled professional but a compassionate soul who understood the power of visual storytelling.

"His courage in the face of adversity allowed the world to witness the untold stories of a region grappling with complex challenges.

"In the pursuit of truth, our cameraman faced immense risks to bring viewers a deeper understanding of the human experience in Gaza.

"His lens became a window into the lives of those affected by conflict, shedding light on stories that needed to be told."

The news comes a month-and-a-half after Mr Dahdouh's wife, 15-year-old son, seven-year-old daughter and his grandson were killed in an apparent Israeli airstrike.

His family was seeking refuge in Nuseirat camp in the centre of Gaza when their home was reportedly struck by Israeli forces.

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Al Jazeera's managing editor, Mohamed Moawad, said in a statement on X, formerly Twitter: "We appeal to the global journalistic community, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), and humanitarian organisations to swiftly coordinate the evacuation of our injured journalist trapped inside a school.

"The gravity of the situation demands immediate attention to ensure the safety and well-being of our colleague!"

The International Federation of Journalists said it is "deeply shocked" after hearing about the attack, adding: "We condemn the attack and reiterate our demand that journalists' lives must be safeguarded."

At least 56 Palestinian, four Israeli and three Lebanese journalists and media workers have been killed since 7 October, according to figures compiled by the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ).

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