An Israeli military strike in central Gaza on Wednesday killed three Palestinian journalists who were documenting displacement camps, according to first responders, marking a grim escalation in the ongoing conflict. The incident occurred in the al-Zahra area, where a car belonging to the Egyptian Relief Committee was hit, with Gaza’s Hamas-run Civil Defence agency identifying the victims as Mohammed Salah Qashta, Anas Ghneim, and Abdul Raouf Shaat.
The Israeli military stated that it targeted “several suspects who operated a drone affiliated with Hamas” because they posed a threat to troops, and the incident is under examination. This strike took place amid a ceasefire that began on October 10, which has been periodically violated, raising concerns about the stability of the truce. The military’s response highlights the tense environment in Gaza, where operations continue despite diplomatic efforts.
On the same day, violence persisted across Gaza, with the Hamas-run health ministry reporting eight more deaths, including two children, from Israeli artillery and gunfire. Medics cited by Reuters said a 10-year-old boy was killed by tank fire in central Gaza, while a 13-year-old boy and a woman were shot in Khan Younis. These incidents underscore the daily risks faced by civilians in the conflict zone, where ceasefire violations have led to ongoing casualties.
Hamas condemned the journalist killings as a “dangerous escalation” and a flagrant violation of the ceasefire agreement. The Palestinian Journalists Syndicate called the strike a war crime, accusing Israel of a systematic policy to silence Palestinian voices and conceal crimes against civilians, according to reports from Palestinian news agency Wafa. Such accusations reflect deep-seated tensions and the political dimensions of media coverage in the region.
Internationally, the French news agency AFP, for which Abdul Raouf Shaat was a regular contributor, expressed “immense sadness” and demanded a “full and transparent investigation.” The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) also said it was “appalled,” with regional director Sara Qudah stating that Israel has an obligation under international law to protect journalists. These calls for accountability emphasize the global concern over press safety in conflict areas.
The CPJ has documented that at least 206 journalists and media workers have been killed by Israeli fire in Gaza since the war began, making it the deadliest conflict ever for journalists. Before Wednesday, two journalists had been killed in Israeli strikes during the ceasefire, and a third by members of a Palestinian armed group. This high toll highlights the extreme dangers faced by those reporting from the front lines, often without adequate protection.
The war was triggered by the Hamas-led attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, which killed about 1,200 people and took 251 hostages. Israel’s subsequent military campaign has resulted in over 71,550 deaths in Gaza, according to the territory’s health ministry. The current ceasefire, though fragile, aims to pave the way for peace talks, with international involvement such as U.S.-led initiatives and proposals for a technocratic government in Gaza.
The killing of journalists not only represents a tragic loss of life but also threatens press freedom and the ability to convey accurate information from conflict zones. Investigations into the strike are ongoing, and the outcome may influence future military conduct and diplomatic relations. As peace efforts continue, ensuring the safety of civilians and journalists remains a critical challenge for all parties involved.
