ISLAMABAD: An Israeli airstrike in Gaza has killed a freelance journalist working for Turkish broadcast outlet TRT.
Yahya Barzaq was killed in the besieged Palestinian enclave on Tuesday, the broadcaster said on its Instagram account. Barzaq had previously worked as a newborn baby photographer before the Israeli military offensive pushed him to become a storyteller.
The Israeli army did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Barzaq was among five people killed in the airstrike in Deir al Balah. Their bodies were taken to Al Aqsa Martyrs Hospital in the city.
In his last posts on Instagram, Barzaq said he had been forced to flee Gaza City to the south due to Israeli bombardment and threats of forced displacement.
"My body was displaced to the south, but my heart is still in Gaza City," he wrote.
Turkiye strongly condemned the attack
Burhanettin Duran, Head of Communications for the Republic of Türkiye, described Barzaq as "a courageous voice who sought the truth amid occupation and oppression."
"His story, highlighted in the TRT World documentary *Gaza in My Photographs*, reflected his dedication to showing the world the reality on the ground," Duran said.
"Targeting journalists will never suppress the truth. We pray for mercy upon Yahya and offer our heartfelt condolences to his family, colleagues, and loved ones."
With input from wires.
