Hussam al-Masri, a Reuters journalist, was killed by Israeli fire while operating a live video feed at Gaza’s Nasser Hospital. The veteran cameraman was reporting on civilian suffering in bwhile also struggling to support his own displaced family.
The 49-year-old journalist was well-known among colleagues for his optimism, often saying, “Tomorrow will be better,” even during the most difficult times. His final conversation with fellow journalist Mohamed Salem ended with the same words, reflecting his resilience despite the ongoing war.
According to Reuters, Hussam al-Masri’s body was found next to his camera on an external stairwell at the hospital. A second strike minutes later killed at least 19 people, including rescue workers and four other journalists.
One of them, Moaz Abu Taha, had provided visuals to Reuters and other outlets. Photographer Hatem Khaled was also injured in the attack.
Israeli officials said the journalists were not targets. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed regret, calling the incident a “tragic mishap.” However, the Committee to Protect Journalists condemned the killing and urged international accountability, noting that more than 189 Palestinian journalists have been killed during the Gaza war.
Masri’s family has also suffered deeply. His wife, Samaher, is battling cancer, and the couple’s four children—Shahd, Mohammed, Shatha, and Ahmad—have been living in a tent since their home in Khan Younis was destroyed.
Hussam al-Masri began his journalism career in 1998 and joined Reuters in 2024, covering humanitarian crises and broadcasting live from Gaza.
His work highlighted malnutrition, displacement, and civilian casualties, often filmed from Nasser Hospital. His last story documented families mourning loved ones killed in Israeli airstrikes.
Reuters editor-in-chief Alessandra Galloni paid tribute, saying Masri was “strong, steady, and courageous in the most challenging circumstances.”
His death underscores the risks faced by journalists reporting from conflict zones and the urgent calls for their protection.
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