Palestinian Journalist Killed in Israeli Airstrike
Palestinian journalist Islam al-Koumi was killed late Monday in an Israeli airstrike targeting the Sabra neighborhood of Gaza City. Medical sources reported that at least three people died and several others were injured in the attack, reports 24brussels.
Al-Koumi’s body was among the victims, increasing the number of Palestinian journalists killed since October 2023 to 239, according to Gaza’s Government Media Office.
Footage circulating online depicts al-Koumi’s son, held by a relative and crying out for his father. Additionally, a video revealing the journalist’s lifeless body with his press vest in his lap has incited further outrage.
This tragedy comes on the heels of the recent recovery of journalist Marwa Musallam’s remains, who was buried alive under rubble following an Israeli airstrike in July. Her body was found 45 days later, after her pleas for help were reportedly ignored due to restrictions on rescue operations.
International media organizations have condemned the rising violence against journalists. The Organization of Islamic Cooperation’s Federation of News Agencies characterized Israel’s actions as a deliberate effort to “silence the truth.”
In response, the Columbia Journalism Review (CJR) has advocated for robust protective measures, demanding media strikes, international sanctions, and potential war crimes charges against those responsible before the International Criminal Court.
The humanitarian crisis continues to worsen. On Monday alone, Israeli forces reportedly killed 21 Palestinians and injured dozens more in multiple strikes across Gaza, including in Deir al-Balah, Netzarim, and Al-Mawasi, where a child was among the casualties. The Zeitoun district, Gaza’s most densely populated area, experienced intensified bombardment.
To date, the ongoing conflict has claimed over 62,004 Palestinian lives, with 156,230 injured, predominantly women and children. The Gaza Strip remains under siege for 683 consecutive days, leading to severe shortages in infrastructure, housing, and food access.
