The Palestine News Agency reports journalist Mohammad Abu Hattab was killed in an Israeli strike on his home in the southern Gaza Strip on Thursday along with 11 members of his family, including his wife, son and brother. Abu Hattab was a reporter for Palestine TV. His last on-air report was about deadly Israeli airstrikes in and around his neighborhood in Khan Younis. His colleague, journalist Salman Al-Bashir, burst into tears during a live broadcast upon learning of Abu Hattab’s killing. As he spoke, Al-Bashir tore off his helmet and protective vest labeled ”PRESS” and threw them to the ground.
Salman Al-Bashir: “These are just slogans that we are wearing. They don’t protect any journalist at all. These shields don’t protect us. We are victims, directly on live television. We are losing souls, one by one, with complete impunity.”
According to the Committee to Protect Journalists, at least 36 reporters and media workers have been killed since the conflict erupted on October 7.