Beirut, December 15, 2023 - The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) has expressed deep sadness and called for an independent investigation following a drone strike that killed Al-Jazeera Arabic cameraperson Samer Abu Daqqa and injured reporter Wael Al Dahdouh in Gaza. The international authorities are being urged to hold the perpetrators accountable for the attack.

The incident occurred on December 15 as Al Dahdouh and Abu Daqqa were reporting on the aftermath of Israeli strikes on a UN school in Khan Yunis, southern Gaza, which was providing shelter to displaced people. Reports by Al-Jazeera and the Middle East Eye indicate that a missile launched from an Israeli drone caused the casualties.

Al-Jazeera made an urgent plea to the International Committee of the Red Cross to evacuate Abu Daqqa from the school to a nearby hospital for medical treatment. Tragically, Abu Daqqa succumbed to his injuries, as confirmed by both Al-Jazeera and Beirut-based press freedom group SKeyes.

During live coverage before his death, Al-Jazeera revealed that Abu Daqqa remained in the school due to being trapped with other injured civilians. Israeli forces were reportedly surrounding the school, making it difficult for medics to reach the hospital and evacuate wounded individuals, including Abu Daqqa.

Carlos Martínez de la Serna, CPJ Program Director, condemned the attack and the broader pattern of targeting Al-Jazeera journalists and their families. He demanded an independent investigation into the incident to ensure those responsible are held accountable.

According to Al-Jazeera, many Gazans sought refuge in the UNRWA-Khan Yunis school for girls, which was also subjected to bombardment from Israeli tanks. Footage aired by the news outlet showed Al Dahdouh wearing his press vest, confirming that he was taking necessary precautions and identifying himself as a member of the press.

Al Dahdouh sustained injuries from shrapnel in his right hand and waist, and he was immediately transferred to Nasser Hospital in Khan Yunis for treatment. Video footage shared by Al-Jazeera depicted his continuous efforts to call for the evacuation of his colleague, Abu Daqqa.

Al-Jazeera correspondents reported that Israeli artillery targeted the center of Khan Yunis, where many Palestinians displaced from central and northern parts of Gaza sought shelter. Simultaneously, clashes with Palestinian fighters were ongoing as the Israeli military attempted to gain entry into the city.

This tragic incident comes after Wael Al Dahdouh, Al-Jazeera's Gaza bureau chief, lost his wife, son, daughter, and grandson in an Israeli airstrike on the Nuseirat refugee camp on October 25. The CPJ has previously documented numerous cases of journalists and media workers being injured or losing family members during the war, which has been ongoing since October 7.

The CPJ's call for an independent investigation highlights the urgent need to protect journalists and media workers who risk their lives to provide essential information to the world. The international community must stand together to ensure the safety of these individuals and hold accountable those responsible for attacks on press freedom.