CAIRO/GAZA – Gaza authorities reported that an Israeli airstrike killed five Palestinian journalists near Al-Awda Hospital on Thursday. However, the Israeli military stated the individuals were Islamic Jihad militants disguised as journalists.
The incident was part of a broader escalation, with at least 31 people killed in Gaza during pre-dawn strikes. The violence persists as Hamas and Israel fail to finalize a ceasefire after over 14 months of conflict.
The Palestinian Journalists Union condemned the attack, identifying the deceased as members of Al-Quds Today channel, who were inside a marked broadcast vehicle. The union also stated that more than 190 journalists have been killed since the war began in October 2023.
Al-Quds Today labeled the strike a “massacre” and defended the journalists as performing their duties. Conversely, the Israeli military released a statement claiming the strike targeted an Islamic Jihad cell confirmed by intelligence sources.
Separately, five medical staff, including a pediatrician, were killed at Kamal Adwan Hospital in Beit Lahiya. Gaza officials said they had resisted evacuation orders despite ongoing Israeli operations in the area.
The prolonged conflict, triggered by a Hamas-led attack in October 2023, has resulted in over 45,300 Palestinian casualties, displacing much of Gaza’s population of 2.3 million.
Funerals and Global Reaction
Footage from the attack site showed a destroyed van marked “PRESS.” Relatives and colleagues mourned the journalists in funerals later that day.
The international organization Reporters Without Borders declared Gaza the most dangerous place for journalists in its year-end report, citing extensive risks from Israeli strikes.
Meanwhile, ceasefire negotiations remain deadlocked, with both Hamas and Israeli leaders blaming each other for delays.