Watan-The Al Jazeera channel’s host, Jamal Rian, asked his colleague Wael al-Dahdouh, the bureau chief of the channel in Gaza, about the condition of his hands after the injuries he sustained during an Israeli shelling that resulted in the martyrdom of their colleague, the photographer Samer Abu Daqqa.
Rian, while questioning al-Dahdouh, said, “How is the condition of your hand now? Both you and Samer Abu Daqqa were targeted. How is your health now?”
Wael al-Dahdouh responded, saying, “First and foremost, we thank God in all circumstances. We hope that the health situation is good.” He added that his hand requires nerve mapping and a highly precise surgical intervention, which requires specialized expertise not available in the Gaza Strip, both in terms of specialization and the necessary equipment.
Al-Dahdouh explained that the situation worsens during times of war, making the recovery process almost impossible. He continued, “We hope that this cloud lifts, and this war comes to an end, providing an opportunity for my hand to be treated and function as it did before.”
He emphasized that regardless of this injury or any other, as long as he is able to stand or even sit in front of the camera and speak into the microphone, he will never hesitate or delay.
“Wael al-Dahdouh’s Injury”
Wael al-Dahdouh was injured as a result of an Israeli airstrike on the Farhana school in Khan Yunis, southern Gaza Strip. This attack led to the tragic death of his colleague, the photographer Samer Abu Daqqa.
The martyr, Abu Daqqa, remained on the ground, bleeding and surrounded in the vicinity of the Farhana school for about 6 hours after being injured. Unfortunately, an ambulance was unable to reach him due to injuries caused by missile shrapnel launched by an Israeli reconnaissance aircraft.
📷 تقديم الإسعافات الأولية ل #مراسل_قناة_الجزيرة #وائل_الدحدوح الذي أصيب ومصور القناة #سامر_أبو_دقة جراء ستهدافهم بصاروخ استطلاع بينما كانوا في تغطية بجوار #مدرسة_حيفا وسط #خانيونس#جنين #الشجاعيه #صهاينه_العرب #لواء_جولاني #حماس #يحيى_السنوار #ابو_عبيده #غزة #سمعتوا_الخبر… pic.twitter.com/UqMNk5H7G7
— وطن. يغرد خارج السرب (@watanserb_news) December 15, 2023
Statement of Condemnation from Al Jazeera Network
The Al Jazeera Media Network strongly condemned the assassination by the Israeli occupying forces of Abu Daqqa, expressing its condemnation in the strongest terms. In a statement, Al Jazeera mentioned that the occupation forces obstructed the arrival of medical teams to Abu Daqqa, leaving him bleeding for more than 5 hours after being injured.
The statement held the Israeli occupation authorities fully responsible for this heinous crime and for the deliberate targeting of those working with Al Jazeera and their families.
Furthermore, the statement offered sincere condolences and profound sympathy to Abu Daqqa’s family. It called on the international community, journalist advocacy organizations, and the International Criminal Court to take action to hold the occupying forces accountable.