Wael Al-Dahdouh is a Palestinian journalist and Al Jazeera’s bureau chief in Gaza, with over 27 years of experience covering Gaza and occupied Palestine. He is a veteran, award-winning journalist recognized for his dedication and courage in reporting under extremely challenging circumstances.
Wael has endured profound personal loss while continuing his work. Numerous members of his family were killed by Israeli airstrikes, including his wife, infant grandson, young children, and several relatives during the attack on the Nuseirat refugee camp on 25 October 2023. On 15 December 2023, while reporting near Haifa School in Khan Younis with cameraman Samer Abu Daqqa, they were struck by an Israeli missile; Abu Daqqa was killed, and Wael sustained serious injuries. His eldest son, journalist Hamza Al-Dahdouh, was later killed by an airstrike in Khan Younis on 7 January 2024.
Despite these tragedies, Wael has become widely recognized for his resilience and determination to continue reporting, earning him the nicknames “the Mountain of Gaza” and “the Jacob of his era.” He has been honored by numerous institutions and publications as Person of the Year for 2023–2024.
In recognition of his extraordinary courage and commitment to press freedom, Wael received the 2024 John Aubuchon International Press Freedom Award from the National Press Club in Washington, D.C. He has also been honored by Reporters Without Borders, Amnesty International, and other esteemed organizations worldwide.