Jihad Misharawi, BBC Journalist, Loses Son Omar In Strike On Gaza (UPDATE)

BBC Journalist Loses Son In Gaza Strike

The infant son of a BBC journalist was killed by an Israeli air strike on Gaza on Wednesday night.

The BBC said that Jihad Misharawi, who works for the BBC Arabic service, lost his 11-month son Omar after their house was hit by shrapnel. Misharawi's brother was also injured.

Violence in Gaza has intensified after Israel killed the military chief of Hamas on Wednesday. Omar was one of at least 15 Palestinians killed. Three Israelis have also died from rocket attacks.

Pictures of Misharawi holding Omar were splashed across front pages like the Washington Post's on Thursday:

bbc gaza

Misharawi spoke to a fellow BBC journalist while surrounded by a crowd of people.

"What did my son do to die like this?" he said. "What was his mistake? He is ten or eleven months old. What did he do?"

In a statement, the BBC said, ""Our thoughts are with Jihad and the rest of the team in Gaza. This is a particularly difficult moment for the whole bureau in Gaza. We're fortunate to have such a committed and courageous team there. It's a sobering reminder of the challenges facing many of our colleagues."

Omar was later buried.

UPDATE, 3/11/13: A UN report said that Misharawi's son was likely killed by Hamas rocket fire, not Israeli shells.

Before You Go

GRAPHIC WARNING: Israel And Gaza Tensions

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