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December 16, 2024
December 15, 2024 – Palestine/Israel –
Al Jazeera photojournalist Ahmed al‑Louh, aged 39, was killed on December 15, 2024, during an Israeli airstrike on a Palestinian Civil Defence site in the Nuseirat refugee camp in central Gaza. Al‑Louh, easily identifiable in his press vest and helmet, was filming rescue efforts alongside Civil Defence workers when the strike struck. Five Civil Defence personnel also lost their lives. He was promptly evacuated to Al‑Aqsa Martyrs Hospital in Deir el‑Balah, where he was pronounced dead.
Al Jazeera condemned the strike as a deliberate and “heinous crime,” insisting that al‑Louh was killed in cold blood while discharging his journalistic duty. The network called on international bodies to investigate the act as a potential war crime and demanded accountability under international humanitarian law. UNESCO Director‑General Audrey Azoulay also voiced strong condemnation, highlighting the vital role of journalists and emphasizing that their safety must be protected. She urged a full investigation into the killing, reiterating UNESCO’s mandate to defend press freedom.
The attack comes in the aftermath of an alarming trend in Gaza since October 2023, which has seen a surge in journalist casualties. According to CPJ, this period marks the most dangerous for media workers since records began in 1992, with significantly more Palestinian journalists, many freelancers, killed or injured compared to previous conflicts. Rights organizations, including CPJ and Reporters Without Borders, insist that journalists and non-combatants are protected under international law and must not be subject to military targeting.
Arab and international media outlets have been swift to report al‑Louh’s death, noting that the Israeli military frequently claims that such strikes are aimed at militant targets. However, watchdogs demand clear evidence before calls for investigations can be justified.
Al‑Louh’s death has intensified global concern over the mounting toll on journalists in Gaza and the erosion of media safety amid escalating conflict. UNESCO’s demand for an independent inquiry aligns with calls from humanitarian and press freedom advocates worldwide. His death is a sharp reminder of the deadly risks journalists face on today’s front lines and reinforces the urgent need to uphold their protection under international humanitarian frameworks.
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