Who Was Hassan Hamad? 19-Year-Old Palestinian Journalist Killed In Israeli Strike

Hassan Hamad, a 19-year-old Palestinian journalist, was killed in an Israeli airstrike that targeted his home in Gaza’s Jabalia refugee camp, Al Jazeera reported. Hamad, a freelance TV reporter, had contributed to various media outlets, including Al Jazeera.Days prior to his death, Hamad reportedly received warnings from an Israeli officer, threatening him to cease his coverage in Gaza. Palestinian journalist Maha Hussaini shared on X (formerly Twitter) that Hamad received a WhatsApp message and several calls from an Israeli officer, who threatened retaliation if he continued reporting on Gaza. “This is your last warning,” the message reportedly stated.

Listen, If you continue spreading lies about Israel, we'll come for you next and turn your family into [...] This is your last warning".. Journalist Hassan Hamad received this message on WhatsApp, along with several calls from an Israeli officer ordering him to stop filming in… pic.twitter.com/q6SAzMj5xc

— Maha Hussaini (@MahaGaza) October 6, 2024

Hussaini said that Hamad persisted in recording the conflict in spite of continuous dangers. The coworker recalled that Hamad had called him shortly before the attack on his house, around 6am local time. "There they are, it's done," he said before cutting the call short.After a year of reporting on Israel's activities in Gaza, Hamad had honed a special technique for operating in harsh circumstances. His coworkers praised his inventiveness, noting that he frequently located internet signals on roofs and risked his life to provide film. To reduce the hazards to his family, he regularly avoided being with them.The Israeli government has not yet released a statement on the Hamad's death. 175 Journalists Killed - According to Gaza's Government Media Office, Hamad's death brings the total number of Palestinian journalists killed since the start of the conflict to 175. As per CPJ, since Israel began its attack in Gaza in October 2023, over 41,000 people have died, including at least 128 journalists and media professionals. Hamad's death was verified by the Gaza Government Media Office, which said the journalist's home was intentionally targeted.