In a statement, the Qatar-based network condemned the “indiscriminate assault by the Israeli forces that resulted in the tragic loss” of Al-Dahdouh’s family. 

Al-Dahdouh had moved his family from their home following the Israeli warning to Palestinian citizens to move from the northern to the southern part of the Gaza Strip. In recent days, however, Israeli attacks have increasingly targeted areas far further south, including Khan Yunis, from where most of the journalists are working nowadays.

Al Jazeera broadcasted the moment when the reporter received news of the killings, while covering developments on the ground. 

The IFJ sends its condolences to Wael and all Palestinian journalists who lost family members, friends and colleagues. The Federation has confirmed that at least  23 Palestinian journalists have been killed by Israeli fire since 7th October.  

IFJ Deputy General Secretary Tim Dawson has written to Al Jazeera’s Acting Director General, Mostefa Souag sending condolences from all at the IFJ to al-Dahdouh and his colleagues.

Tim Dawson said: 

“The death toll among journalists and other media workers as a result of this conflict is without precedent over such a short period. Al-Dahdouh’s tragedy is a terrible reminder of the impact on ordinary, civilian Palestinians of continuous shelling. All combatants must respect international law and refrain from actions that are likely to result in civilian death. 

“It highlights too, just how courageous and self-sacrificing are Gaza’s journalists. That they continue to act as the eyes and ears in this world against this backdrop is testimony to their extraordinary bravery and professionalism.”

The IFJ is working with its Palestinian affiliate, the Palestinian Journalists Syndicate (PJS), to provide medical kits and battery packs for the 1,000 or so journalists at work in Gaza. No foreign reporters remain in the territory.