In the aftermath of the recent Israeli airstrike that claimed the life of Palestinian journalist Hamza Dahdouh, his father, Al Jazeera's Gaza bureau chief Wael al-Dahdouh, has vowed to continue his important work despite the devastating loss. The incident occurred on Sunday, when Hamza, along with his colleague Mustafa Thuraya, were killed in a strike on their car in Rafah.

The deaths of Hamza and Mustafa have sparked outrage and calls for an independent investigation from press freedom groups and the United Nations. Israel, however, has denied intentionally targeting journalists. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed carrying out the strike, stating that they had targeted a "terrorist" in the vehicle. An IDF spokesperson, Daniel Hagari, acknowledged the unfortunate incident and mentioned an ongoing investigation.

Hamza's father, Wael al-Dahdouh, described his son as "chivalrous," "tender," and "generous" during a heartfelt address to mourners. Al Jazeera, for which both Hamza and Mustafa worked, condemned the attack, referring to their deaths as an "assassination." The news network called for legal action to be taken against the Israeli military, claiming that they have systematically targeted the Dahdouh family.

This is not the first tragedy that Wael al-Dahdouh has faced while reporting on the conflict. Just last December, he was injured and his cameraman was killed in another drone strike as they covered the aftermath of an airstrike on a school in southern Gaza. Despite these personal losses, Dahdouh has remained a symbol of defiance and perseverance, continuing to report relentlessly on the war.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken expressed deep sorrow and called Hamza's death an "unimaginable tragedy." The Committee to Protect Journalists and Reporters without Borders have accused the Israeli military of targeting journalists in Gaza, while the United Nations human rights office has called for thorough independent investigations into the deaths of media workers.

The conflict between Israel and Hamas has resulted in a high death toll among Palestinian journalists. The news of Hamza's killing highlights the dangers faced by journalists in Gaza, who are often left to document the stories of their community due to limited access for foreign press. The lack of international protection for journalists on the ground has drawn criticism from Wael al-Dahdouh, who emphasizes the need for the safety of Palestinian journalists.

Despite his immense grief, Wael al-Dahdouh has shown remarkable resilience by returning to work and reporting once more. His unwavering dedication to his duty and the message behind his journalism is a beacon of strength in the face of tragedy. However, the killing of Hamza Dahdouh has ignited a renewed call for accountability and the assurance of the safety of journalists in conflict zones. As the global community mourns Hamza's loss, the hope remains that his death will be the last to occur in a profession that seeks to shed light on the truth amidst the chaos of war.