Gaza authorities reported that an Israeli airstrike killed five Palestinian journalists outside a hospital on Thursday, while the Israeli military contended that it targeted a vehicle carrying Islamic Jihad militants. Medics indicated that the strike was part of a broader series of air assaults that resulted in at least 21 fatalities across the enclave before dawn.
According to the Palestinian Journalists Union, the five journalists were affiliated with the Al-Quds Today channel and were in a broadcast vehicle in front of Al-Awda Hospital in the Al-Nuseirat refugee camp when the strike occurred. Video footage from the scene showed the wreckage of a white van, with remnants of the word “PRESS” visible on the back doors.
The union condemned the attack, stating that more than 190 Palestinian journalists have been killed by Israeli fire since the conflict escalated in October 2023. The Gaza-based channel described the strike as a “massacre,” asserting that the journalists were fulfilling their media and humanitarian duties at the time of their deaths.
Israeli Military Response and Civilian Casualties
In response, the Israeli military stated that it conducted a “precise strike” on a vehicle containing members of an Islamic Jihad terrorist cell in the Nuseirat area. The military has consistently denied targeting journalists and claims to take measures to avoid civilian casualties.
In addition to the journalists, medics reported that eight other individuals were killed and 20 wounded in an Israeli airstrike on a house in Gaza City’s Zeitoun neighborhood. The death toll could rise as many people were reportedly trapped under the rubble. Another strike in the Sabra suburb of Gaza City resulted in eight additional deaths, bringing the total for Thursday to 21.
Stalled Ceasefire Negotiations
The ongoing violence comes as Hamas and Israel continue to trade blame over their failure to finalize a ceasefire agreement, despite reported progress in negotiations. Hamas accused Israel of imposing new conditions related to withdrawal, ceasefire, prisoners, and the return of displaced individuals, which they claim has delayed the agreement.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu countered, accusing Hamas of lying and reneging on previously reached understandings. The conflict, which began with Hamas’ attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, has resulted in over 45,300 Palestinian deaths, according to health officials in the Hamas-run enclave. The majority of Gaza’s 2.3 million residents have been displaced, and much of the territory lies in ruins.
