Journalist from Egypt TV station killed in Gaza Israeli strike

Gaza: A video journalist affiliated with the Cairo-based television channel Al Ghad lost his life in Gaza, with the channel attributing the incident to an Israeli army strike.

The victim, Yazan al-Zwaidi, became another casualty in the grim toll that journalists have faced since the commencement of the conflict on October 7.

The announcement of the journalist's death came through a post on X, formerly Twitter, where the station expressed its sorrow, stating, "It is with a heavy heart that we announce that Al Ghad video-journalist Yazan al-Zwaidi has been murdered by Israeli fire."

The unfortunate event adds to a distressing statistic, as at least 82 other journalists and media professionals, predominantly Palestinian, have lost their lives in the line of duty since the Israeli attack began on October 7. The Committee to Protect Journalists has been documenting these casualties, emphasising the alarming rate at which media workers are being affected.

Expressing concern over the escalating toll on media workers, the United Nations issued a statement on Monday, underscoring the need for urgent attention to the safety of journalists in conflict zones. Furthermore, the International Criminal Court declared on Tuesday that it has been actively investigating potential crimes against journalists since the outbreak of the war, signalling a commitment to accountability.

The roots of the current episode of conflict trace back to the surprise attack by Hamas on October 7, which resulted in approximately 1,140 deaths in Israel, predominantly among civilians, as per an AFP tally based on official figures.

In response, Israel initiated a relentless military campaign, resulting in a significant death toll in the Palestinian territory. According to the Gaza health ministry, at least 23,968 people, predominantly women and children, have lost their lives due to the ongoing conflict, highlighting the severe humanitarian impact.