Al Jazeera, the influential Arab news network, reported that two of its journalists, Ismail al-Ghoul and Rami al-Rifee, were killed on Wednesday in an Israeli airstrike in Gaza City. The incident occurred in Shati camp in northern Gaza, near the house of the deceased Hamas political chief, Ismail Haniyeh, who was assassinated in Tehran the same day.
The network accused the Israeli military of targeting the journalists with a “direct hit,” despite their car being clearly marked as a press vehicle. Al Jazeera Media Network stated, “The assassination of Ismail and Rami, while they were documenting the crimes of Israeli forces, underscores the urgent need for immediate legal action against the occupation forces to ensure that there is no impunity.”
Mohammed Moawad, Al Jazeera’s managing editor, praised Mr. al-Ghoul’s courage, saying, “Ismail was renowned for his professionalism and dedication, bringing the world’s attention to the suffering and atrocities committed in Gaza.”
The Committee to Protect Journalists highlighted that the war in Gaza has resulted in the deadliest period for correspondents since 1992, with at least 111 journalists and media workers among the more than 39,000 casualties in Gaza.