I was never an EOD tech, but I’ve worked with enough to know some of the basic rules of the game. Upon finding unexploded ordnance:
1) Establish a perimeter around the device; put security in place
2) Evacuate all unnecessary personnel (including civilians)
3) Ensure everyone except EOD stays outside the perimeter (including pesky reporters)
4) EOD takes required steps to render the device safe, while taking all necessary safety precautions
5) Remove the disarmed device or blow in place, as the situation warrants
6) Once the area is cleared, remove the perimeter and allow other military personnel and/or civilians back into the zone
Compare that to the “dud” in Gaza. The “experts” probably stumbled across a 500 or 2,000 pound bomb and figured they had the explosives for their next IED or car bomb. No perimeter around the weapon and I wouldn’t be surprised if they invited the AP videographer to document their work. I’m also guessing the AP staffer was sympathetic to the Palestinian cause, so he agreed. If the “journalist” accepted such an invitation, he was an absolute fool, and paid for it with his life.
EOD are special.