Yaser Murtaja, Palestine

Palestinian photographer Yaser Murtaja was shot in the chest by an Israeli sniper while covering a demonstration on the Gaza-Israel border on Friday, April 6, 2018. Murtaja died of his wounds on Saturday, April 7. According to photos and witnesses, Murtaja was wearing a protective vest with the “PRESS” sign clearly marked across it, some hundred meters on the Gaza side of the border., when he was hit by a bullet in an uncovered spot in the side of his chest. Beside Murtaja, several other journalists were injured in Israeli fire on Friday demonstrations. In addition, around 30 other Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces during the week-long protests. Israeli Defence Minister said Murtaja had been flying a drone, which amounted to a threat. However, Israeli army said it does not intentionally target journalists and announced it will investigate the matter. A renowned photographer, Murtaja had worked with foreign media clients, such as the BBC and Al Jazeera English, as well as artist Ai Weiwei.

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