Journalist continues to report from Gaza even after his family was killed in airstrikes: 'It's my duty'

The ongoing war between Israel and Hamas has resulted in a humanitarian crisis. There has been irreversible damage done to families who have lost their loved ones. While the world is witnessing this tragedy unfold on News channels, there are journalists who are keeping their lives on the line to show the world what's really happening. Among them is Al Jazeera's journalist Wael Al Dahdouh who stood through trials and stayed committed to his duty even after facing a tragic event. AJ+ posted a video of Dahdouh and shared that he had lost his family and relatives after they were killed in the airstrike. The bereaved reporter shared why he persisted in his duty after such an immense loss.

The caption read, "Al Jazeera Journalist Wael Al Dahdouh explains why he continues to report from Gaza after his wife, son, daughter and other relatives were killed." In the video, he was seen thanking his viewers and team for their solidarity, prayers and condolences for his loss. "They were important," he added. The journalist then shared why he chose to come back on duty to report about the war in front of the camera shortly after the death of his family. "It was my duty to get back to work as quickly as possible, despite everything," he shared.

He then mentioned that there was firing going on everywhere as his cameraman turned the camera to capture the black fumes coming out of various spaces in the aerial view. "There are airstrikes and artillery shelling and things continue to develop," Dahdouh said. He added, "I felt it was my duty despite the pain and open wound to get back in front of the camera and to communicate with you on social media as soon as possible. Thank you all and please keep us in your prayers."

The family, which includes Dahdouh's wife, son, Mahmoud (15), daughter, Sham (7) and grandson, has been killed in an Israeli air raid, per Al Jazeera. "Their home was targeted in the Nuseirat camp in the center of Gaza, where they had sought refuge after being displaced by the initial bombardment in their neighborhood, following [Israeli] Prime Minister [Benjamin] Netanyahu's call for all civilians to move south," as per Al Jazeera Media Network statement. "What happened is clear. This is a series of targeted attacks on children, women and civilians. I was just reporting from Yarmouk about such an attack, and the Israeli raids have targeted many areas, including Nuseirat," Dahdouh, told Al Jazeera while on his way to the hospital to meet his family.

No one can explain the pain he went through at the dreaded news about his family, but he still came forward to be a vigilant source for others. He dared to get back up and continue his job, knowing it was what mattered at the crucial hour. Many Twitter users sent their condolences, love and prayers for the journalist. @aaronshack64TV said, "Despite everything he has lost, he still steps up to do his duty. I'm praying for him. I don't know if I would have the strength to do the job after such an enormous loss, but that's what makes this so important."

Dahdouh continues to post updates on the war on his Instagram. He posted another video sharing the sympathy Palestinians have offered him. His caption read, "At a time when the occupation is trying to silence the truth by targeting the homes of journalists and their families, we only grow stronger and more resilient. Nothing can defeat the unwavering determination of our people." His resilience is truly remarkable and his unwavering spirit is a source of inspiration to many.