Gaza Journalist’s Body
Hassan Hamad, a 19-year-old Palestinian journalist, tragically lost his life in Israeli airstrikes on Gaza on October 6, mere weeks after receiving menacing messages from an Israeli officer.
His death occurred amid severe bombardment in the Jabalia refugee camp, which resulted in the loss of at least 17 lives during the latest round of attacks.
This incident marked the third ground assault on this densely populated area since October 7, 2023, highlighting the ongoing violence faced by civilians in the region.
According to Hamad’s colleagues, his home was specifically targeted following the receipt of threatening messages on WhatsApp. Journalist Maha Hussaini revealed that she had seen screenshots of these messages, which included chilling warnings.
One message read, “Listen, if you continue spreading lies about Israel, we’ll come for you next and turn your family into […] This is your last warning.”
وصية حسن كانت ما نوقف ونكمل ونوصل صوتو لأكبر عدد من الناس أتمنى تساعدوني نحققلو وصيتو
— Hassan Hamad (@Hassan_hamad77) October 6, 2024
Hassan's will was that we should not stop and continue and deliver his voice to the largest number of people. I hope you will help me fulfill his will. pic.twitter.com/dSLxC4ObQL
Hamad’s refusal to adhere to repeated orders from the Israeli officer to cease filming in Gaza underscored his commitment to reporting the truth, even in the face of grave danger.
In his final moments, Hamad reached out to a friend at 6 a.m. to send his last video. In a brief phone call, he exclaimed, “There they are, there they are, it’s done,” before abruptly hanging up.
His brother, Mohammed Hamad, revealed the grim reality of identifying Hassan after the attack, stating that he could only recognize him by his hair, as little remained of his body.
Graphic accounts from his colleagues depicted the harrowing aftermath, with reports of his dismembered body collected in plastic bags, underscoring the brutality of the assault.
Before the tragic attack, Hamad had taken precautions to avoid endangering his family by keeping his distance from them. Despite suffering from a leg injury, he remained dedicated to his work, documenting the events unfolding around him.
In one of his last reports, he covered a bombing in the Jabalia camp that claimed the lives of six individuals, including a newlywed man, highlighting the personal tragedies that unfold amid conflict.
Hassan Hamad’s death marks him as the 175th Palestinian journalist killed within a year, according to data from Gaza’s Government Media Office.
The pattern of deliberate targeting of journalists by Israeli forces has prompted organizations like the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) to lodge complaints with the International Criminal Court (ICC). The IFJ’s website documents the ongoing threats faced by reporters in the region.
This was the last footage captured by Journalist Hassan Hamad before he was killed in an Israeli airstrike in Jabalia, northern Gaza, last night. pic.twitter.com/KiULA4jbXT
— WAFA News Agency – English (@WAFANewsEnglish) October 6, 2024
In the broader context, Israel’s military actions in Gaza have led to an estimated 42,000 Palestinian fatalities in the past year, with the majority being women and children.
Additionally, over 97,000 individuals have sustained injuries, painting a grim picture of the humanitarian crisis in Gaza amidst the ongoing violence.
I am a dynamic professional, specializing in Peace and Conflict Studies, Conflict Management and Resolution, and International Relations. My expertise is particularly focused on South Asian Conflicts and the intricacies of the Indian Ocean and Asia Pacific Politics. With my skills as a Content Writer, I serve as a bridge between academia and the public, translating complex global issues into accessible narratives. My passion for fostering understanding and cooperation on the national and international stage drives me to make meaningful contributions to peace and global discourse.
