Wounded Al Jazeera Journalist Evacuated to Jordan for Treatment

Al Jazeera journalist Ismail Al-Attar, who was severely wounded while covering the war in Gaza, has been successfully evacuated to Jordan for urgent medical treatment. The transfer, completed on June 20, 2025, was coordinated by the Jordanian government in cooperation with Al Jazeera Media Network, following growing calls for immediate humanitarian intervention.

Al-Attar, injured during an Israeli airstrike in the northern Gaza Strip, was one of the few journalists remaining on the frontlines of the besieged enclave. His condition was reported as critical after he sustained serious shrapnel wounds while reporting from a conflict zone. Initial treatment in Gaza proved insufficient due to the collapse of the healthcare infrastructure amid ongoing bombardments and supply blockades.

Responding swiftly, the Jordanian Royal Medical Services arranged for Al-Attar’s transfer through the Rafah border crossing, after securing medical clearances and logistical support. He was received at a specialized medical facility in Amman, where doctors confirmed his injuries were being stabilized and his condition was under close observation.

Jordan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates emphasized that the evacuation reflects the country’s commitment to humanitarian responsibility and press freedom. The ministry highlighted that journalists, particularly those operating in active war zones, must be afforded the protections guaranteed under international humanitarian law. The Jordanian government reiterated its call for the protection of media workers and condemned all attacks targeting journalists.

The evacuation also drew statements of appreciation from Al Jazeera, which praised Jordan for its swift and compassionate response. The network has repeatedly denounced Israeli strikes on its journalists, describing them as deliberate attempts to silence media coverage of the Gaza war.

This operation underscores the extreme risks faced by journalists in Gaza, where dozens have been killed or injured since the outbreak of war. It also reflects the increasing role of regional governments in filling humanitarian gaps left by the ongoing conflict and blockade. As Gaza continues to experience one of the deadliest periods for press freedom in recent history, Al-Attar’s survival stands as a rare and vital moment of rescue amid widespread devastation.