Israeli shell killed Reuters cameraman-Gaza doctors | Israel denies killing TV cameraman

Israeli shell killed Reuters cameraman-Gaza doctors

17 Apr 2008 15:04:35 GMT
Source: Reuters

By Nidal al-Mughrabi GAZA, April 17 (Reuters) – A medical examination showed on Thursday that metal darts from an Israeli tank shell that explodes in the air caused the death of a Reuters cameraman killed a day earlier in the Gaza Strip, doctors said.

X-rays displayed by physicians who examined the body of Fadel Shana in Gaza’s Shifa hospital showed several of the controversial weapons, known as flechettes, embedded in the 23-year-old Palestinian’s chest and legs.

Several of the 3 cm (1 inch)-long darts were also found in Shana’s flak jacket, emblazoned with a fluorescent “Press” sign, and in his vehicle, an unarmoured sport utility vehicle bearing “TV” and “Press” markings.

“Fadel seemed to be saying a prayer. Those were his last words,” said Reuters soundman Wafa Abu Mizyed, who was wounded in the wrist by one of the darts and began to recollect the incident only a day later, after the initial shock had worn off.

[Read the report]

Israel denies killing TV cameraman

Ed O’Loughlin, Gaza
April 18, 2008

THE Israel Defence Forces refuse to admit responsibility for killing a TV cameraman who has died in the Gaza Strip seconds after he filmed a tank firing in his direction.

Fadel Shana, 23, was among 20 Palestinian militants and civilians — among them five children — killed in a surge of bloodshed following the deaths of three Israeli soldiers in a gun-battle in the Gaza Strip on Wednesday morning.

According to colleagues at the scene, Shana’s clearly marked media vehicle was attacked again about two minutes after the first missile struck it, driving back would-be rescuers and injuring several.

[Read the report]