ALBAWABA - In a heartbreaking incident, Montaser Al-Sawaf, a freelance journalist working for Anadolu News Agency (AA) in the besieged Gaza Strip, lost his life in an Israeli airstrike.
Israeli artist Yula Benivolski renounces Israeli citizenship in protest against Gaza aggressionThe Israeli military, continuing its attacks on the Gaza Strip since October 7, has targeted not only civilians but also journalists and their families.
Hasan , the nephew of Sawaf, shared in a statement with AA, "Cameraman Montaser Al-Sawaf, his brother Marwan, and some relatives were martyred in an Israeli bombing in the southern neighborhood of Al-Durc in the Gaza Strip."
Moreover, the home of the martyr Montaser Al-Sawaf was bombed before the ceasefire began, resulting in the martyrdom of 45 people from his family, including his mother, father, both siblings, and their children. He posted this message on his Instagram account: "Thanks to God, our home was bombed, and more than 45 people, including my mother, father, both siblings, and all their children, were martyred. I have been injured in the face, unfortunately, I have not found a doctor until now for treatment as I am in the city of Gaza, and there is no hospital for treatment, nor even doctors. We continue coverage despite everything."
Ismameh explained that Montaser was critically injured in the bombing. After waiting for nearly half an hour for an ambulance and medical teams, they decided to transfer him to Baptist Hospital in a private vehicle. Unfortunately, due to his severe condition and significant blood loss, medical intervention was impossible.
Montaser, along with his brother and relatives, was laid to rest at the Al-Batsh cemetery in the city.
Condolence Message from AA General Director
AA's General Director and Chairman of the Board, Karagöz, released a condolence message following Montaser's loss in the Israeli attacks.
Karagöz stated, "Since the beginning of the war, we have lost 71 journalist colleagues in the Israeli attacks in Gaza. Today, our agency's employee Montaser Al-Sawaf lost his life in these attacks. As Anadolu Agency, we are dedicated to ensuring the safety of our colleagues who perform their duties under very challenging conditions in Gaza. We will continue our struggle for those responsible for these attacks to be held accountable under international law, both for Montaser Al-Sawaf and for all our colleagues who lost their lives in the Israeli attacks in Gaza. I extend my condolences to our colleague and all our friends who lost their lives in Gaza. May they rest in peace."
