Second Palestinian journalist dies covering Gaza marches

Palestinian journalist Ahmed Abu Hussein today succumbed to his wounds after being shot by Israeli snipers while covering mass protests near Gaza’s eastern border.

Abu Hussein had arrived at the Ramallah Governmental Hospital late on Sunday to receive treatment for wounds he sustained after being struck by Israeli gunfire while covering the “Great March of Return”.

READ: Media freedom watchdog warns of more Israel attacks on journalists in Gaza

In spite of the severity of his situation, Israel had at first denied Abu Hussein permission to be transported to the occupied West Bank for treatment. He was finally moved “after strenuous efforts” on part of Palestinian officials and after he was denied treatment in Israel.

#YaserMurtaja

Abu Hussein is the second journalist to have been killed while covering the protests. On 6 April, Palestinian photographer Yaser Murtaja was shot in the abdomen while covering the protests near Gaza’s border with Israel. At the time he was wearing a blue flak jacket with the word “PRESS” clearly written on it. He died from his wounds in hospitals the following day.