In a horrifying escalation of violence against media professionals, Palestinian journalist Ahmed Mansoor was burnt alive during an Israeli airstrike on Khan Younis in southern Gaza on Monday. The strike, which killed two journalists and injured eight others, has sparked international outrage, especially as the total number of journalists killed in the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict since 2023 has reportedly surpassed 170—reaching 211, according to local Gaza officials.
A disturbing video circulating on social media captured the final moments of Ahmed Mansoor, a reporter for Palestine Today. In the clip, Mansoor is seen engulfed in flames, screaming and writhing in pain as bystanders desperately attempt to extinguish the fire with water. Despite their efforts, he could not be saved. The airstrike also destroyed journalists’ tents and reduced their equipment and personal belongings to ashes.
WATCH THE VIDEO:
A direct israeli air strike on the journalists’ tent in Nasser Hospital grounds in Gaza burns Ahmad Mansour for Palestine Today alive: condition critical pic.twitter.com/qQ40UAEvlW
— Sarah Wilkinson (@swilkinsonbc) April 7, 2025
The Israeli military acknowledged the attack, claiming their intended target was journalist Hassan Elsaleh, who they allege was involved in the October 7, 2023, attacks on Israel. Elsaleh was reportedly injured in the strike. His name had previously surfaced in global media when a photo of him with Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar was released by Honest Reporting. Following that, media giants such as CNN, Reuters, and the Associated Press terminated their contracts with him.
WATCH THE VIDEO:
Funeral of Palestine Today news agency reporter Ahmed Mansour, who was burned alive in a brutal Israeli attack on Khan Younis; a press vest was placed on his body as relatives mourned https://t.co/oEgStfnd3D pic.twitter.com/fvvxpnAY42
— Anadolu English (@anadoluagency) April 8, 2025
The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) and multiple human rights organizations have condemned the assault in the strongest terms. Sarah Kudah, CPJ’s Middle East and North Africa Director, stated, “This is not the first time that journalists’ tents have been targeted in Gaza. The lack of concrete action by the international community encourages criminals to escape punishment.” CPJ has called for immediate medical assistance for the injured and a halt to all attacks on press centers in Gaza.
The violence comes amid continued bloodshed in Gaza. Since the conflict began, over 50,000 Palestinians have been killed and more than 113,000 injured, according to local officials. The temporary ceasefire that began on January 19 was shattered on March 18, when Israeli forces resumed assaults on Gaza. That renewed offensive alone left over 700 people dead and injured more than 3,400.
As the war rages on, the targeted killings of journalists highlight the deepening crisis in Gaza and the growing threat to press freedom in conflict zones.
