The clock had not yet struck midnight on October 9 when Said Al-Taweel, the editor-in-chief of Khamsa News Agency, fell into a deep sleep in his office in al-Ghefari Tower, Gaza City’s tallest building. The ongoing Israeli war on Gaza had taken a toll on Al-Taweel, who had been working tirelessly to cover the onslaught. As the night progressed, news spread that Haji Tower, a nearby high-rise building housing media offices, was going to be attacked by the Israelis.
Al-Taweel, along with other journalists, rushed towards Haji Tower to cover the impending strike. However, what unfolded was a tragic turn of events. Instead of hitting Haji Tower, the Israeli airstrike destroyed a nearby residential building called Babel, where journalists had gathered to report on the situation. The attack resulted in the deaths of at least nine people, including three journalists who had moved closer to Haji Tower to capture the event.
Eyewitnesses and survivors recounted the events leading up to the airstrike. Several individuals received phone calls from Israeli officers warning them to evacuate Haji Tower before the attack. Confusion and chaos ensued as residents and journalists tried to comply with the evacuation orders. However, the warnings proved to be inaccurate, leading to the devastating strike on Babel instead of Haji Tower.
The aftermath of the attack left journalists and residents in shock and disbelief. Videos captured the harrowing moments as the airstrike hit Babel, causing widespread destruction and loss of life. Journalists who had gathered to cover the story found themselves in harm’s way, with three of them tragically losing their lives in the incident.
The incident highlighted the dangers faced by journalists in conflict zones and the critical importance of accurate information during wartime. The miscommunication that led to the mistaken airstrike underscored the need for clear and precise communication to prevent such tragedies from occurring in the future.
As investigations into the incident continue, the memory of the journalists who lost their lives while fulfilling their duty to report on the conflict serves as a stark reminder of the risks journalists face in pursuit of truth. The events of that fateful night in Gaza City will forever be etched in the memories of those who witnessed the devastating consequences of misinformation during wartime.