In a heart-wrenching on-air report, journalist Salman Al Bashir of Palestine TV gave voice to the collective grief and frustration felt by journalists in Gaza after the tragic death of his fellow correspondent, Mohammad Abu Hatab, and 11 members of his family in an Israeli airstrike. The devastating incident took place on Thursday in southern Gaza, prompting an outpouring of sorrow and raising further concerns about the safety and well-being of journalists amidst the ongoing conflict.

Abu Hatab, 49, had been reporting from outside Nasser Hospital on Thursday, covering the Israeli airstrikes that were ravaging neighborhoods in the southern Gaza city of Khan Younis. Tragically, just half an hour later, he was killed upon returning home, leaving his colleagues in shock and disbelief.

Described as having a gentle personality, Abu Hatab was known for his acts of kindness, such as bringing homemade hummus to fellow journalists reporting outside the hospital. His loss has left a void in the journalism community, with Nasser Abu Bakr, head of the Palestinian Journalists Syndicate, remarking on his commitment to his work and his people: "He was live on air the whole time covering Khan Younis, his city, his people, simple people."

The circumstances surrounding the explosion at Abu Hatab's residence remain unclear, leaving many questioning the Israeli military's involvement. When approached about the incident, Israeli military spokesperson Lt. Col. Richard Hecht claimed to be unaware of reports regarding Abu Hatab's death.

Meanwhile, Al Bashir, visibly overcome with grief, expressed the mounting distress felt by journalists on the ground in Gaza. "We can't bear this anymore. We are exhausted, we are here victims and martyrs awaiting our deaths, we are dying one after the other and no one cares about us or the large-scale catastrophe and the crime in Gaza," he shared solemnly. Al Bashir's emotional plea resonated with countless social media users, as his words were shared widely online.

The tragic loss of Abu Hatab only adds to the growing list of casualties among journalists working in conflict zones. According to the Committee to Protect Journalists, at least 33 reporters and media workers have lost their lives since October, including 28 Palestinians. The danger faced by journalists continues to escalate, with their safety and protection becoming increasingly critical.

The Health Ministry in Gaza also reported grim statistics of the conflict's toll on the civilian population. Since the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, the Israeli Defense Forces have reportedly killed over 9,000 Palestinians and left thousands more injured.

As Gaza mourns the loss of one of its dedicated journalists, it is a stark reminder of the immense challenges faced by media professionals in the region. The international community must take notice of these tragic incidents and work towards ensuring the safety and protection of journalists, providing them with the necessary support to carry out their vital work in the face of grave danger.