Samer Abu Daqa

Samer Abu Daqa was a veteran cameraman and journalist for Al Jazeera Media Network, based in the Gaza Strip. He had worked for the network for over 25 years, covering multiple conflicts and daily life in the Palestinian territory.

On December 15, 2023, Abu Daqa was reporting from the grounds of the Farhana School in Khan Younis, southern Gaza. According to Al Jazeera and reports from colleagues on the scene, an Israeli drone strike hit the location. Abu Daqa sustained severe shrapnel wounds to his abdomen and lower body. He reportedly bled for several hours as emergency crews and colleagues were unable to reach him due to ongoing fighting and blocked roads. He died from his wounds.

Abu Daqa's death occurred during the intense Israeli military operation in Gaza that began in October 2023, following a Hamas-led attack on Israel. The period saw widespread airstrikes and ground fighting, particularly in Khan Younis, a major focus of the Israeli campaign. The Committee to Protect Journalists documented that the conflict became one of the deadliest for journalists in decades.

Al Jazeera issued a statement holding Israel responsible for his 'deliberate killing'. The Israeli military said it was reviewing the incident, stating it strikes 'terrorist targets' while taking 'feasible precautions to mitigate civilian harm'. The Palestinian Journalists' Syndicate and international press freedom groups condemned the killing and called for protections for journalists.

Abu Daqa was remembered by colleagues for his technical skill and dedication to documenting Gaza's story. His death highlighted the extreme risks faced by local journalists reporting from active combat zones where evacuation is often impossible and medical care is severely degraded.

Samer Abu Daqa was killed during the Israel?Hamas war (concluded November -0001). See the full roster of those killed in this conflict.

Among those documented in the same conflict: James Miller, Fadel Shana, Ahmad Abu Hussein, Shireen Abu Akleh.

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