The Gaza Strip has been engulfed in grief following the emotional outburst of TV correspondent Salman al-Bashir. Reporting from Nasser Hospital in southern Gaza, al-Bashir detailed the influx of wounded and dead Palestinians as a result of Israel’s heavy bombardment. Tragically, one of the victims was al-Bashir’s own colleague, veteran Palestine TV correspondent Mohammed Abu Hatab. Just an hour before, Abu Hatab had delivered a live report on the casualties of the Israel-Hamas war from the same location. Overwhelmed with grief, al-Bashir struggled to find the words to express the impact of Abu Hatab’s loss. His voice filled with sorrow and weariness as he pleaded for attention to be paid to the devastating toll the war was taking on Gaza civilians.
Al-Bashir’s emotional outburst was streamed live by Palestine TV and quickly spread across social media. According to the Health Ministry in Hamas-run Gaza, the Israeli military’s retaliation since the Hamas attack on southern Israel on October 7 has resulted in the deaths of over 9,000 Palestinians and the injury of thousands more. Among the casualties are 31 journalists and media workers, as reported by the Committee to Protect Journalists. Additionally, the Health Ministry stated that over 112 doctors and medics have lost their lives. In contrast, Hamas militants killed over 1,400 people in Israel on October 7, the majority of whom were civilians.
Abu Hatab, after concluding a live report on the rising death toll in Gaza, headed home to Khan Younis. Tragically, an Israeli airstrike hit his house at around 9:30 pm, wiping out the entire Abu Hatab family. There were no survivors, and neighboring houses only sustained limited damage. When questioned about Abu Hatab’s death, Israeli military spokesperson Lt. Col. Richard Hecht claimed to be unaware of the reports. Israel maintains that it targets militants and blames Hamas for operating in densely populated residential areas. Meanwhile, Israel’s ground offensive in northern Gaza continues in an effort to topple Hamas, with airstrikes across the region ongoing.
Colleagues at Palestine TV, where Abu Hatab worked for 26 years, were in shock at the news. Described as a quiet and gentle man, Abu Hatab was known for his generosity, bringing homemade hummus to journalists stationed outside Nasser Hospital during the war. Despite the difficult circumstances, Abu Hatab remained committed to his work, providing live coverage of the situation in Khan Younis, his hometown.
Nasser Abu Bakr, head of the Palestinian Journalists Syndicate and a close friend of Abu Hatab, recounted their final phone conversation the night before his death. Abu Bakr shared that Abu Hatab sounded weary and depressed, expressing his fear of being killed. Before ending the call, Abu Hatab made a heartfelt request for prayers and protection.
This report was filed by DeBre from Jerusalem.
