An Israeli airstrike overnight killed five Palestinian journalists outside Al-Awda Hospital in the Nuseirat refugee camp, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry. The Israeli military stated the target was a group of Islamic Jihad militants.
The strike destroyed a van marked with press insignias, with the shell of the vehicle left incinerated near the hospital. The journalists were affiliated with the local Quds News Network. Funeral services held outside the hospital were marked by grief, with mourners draping the bodies in white shrouds and blue press vests.
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) claimed the strike targeted militants connected to Islamic Jihad, an ally of Hamas, citing their involvement in attacks during the ongoing conflict. Footage from the scene confirmed the vehicle bore press markings, sparking concerns over journalist safety in the conflict zone.
The Committee to Protect Journalists reports over 130 Palestinian journalists have died since the war began, highlighting the high risks for media personnel in Gaza. Foreign journalists remain barred from independent reporting in the territory, with access limited to Israeli military embeds.
Israel has accused six Al Jazeera journalists of being militants, though the network denies the allegations, accusing Israel of censorship and attempting to stifle coverage focusing on civilian casualties.
In separate developments, the IDF announced the death of a 35-year-old reserve soldier during ground operations in central Gaza. The conflict, which erupted after Hamas-led militants launched an October 2023 assault, has resulted in significant casualties on both sides.
Israel reports 389 soldiers killed in Gaza since its ground campaign began, while Gaza’s Health Ministry states over 45,000 Palestinians have died, including a significant number of women and children. Israel claims 17,000 of the fatalities were militants, though evidence has not been provided.
The war has displaced nearly 90% of Gaza’s 2.3 million residents, forcing many into overcrowded camps with inadequate shelter against winter conditions. The humanitarian situation continues to deteriorate amid the ongoing conflict.
