Five Journalists Killed in Israeli Airstrike in Gaza

Five journalists lost their lives in an Israeli airstrike that targeted their vehicle in Gaza overnight, according to statements from a local hospital and their news outlet on Thursday. The attack took place outside Al-Awda Hospital, where the vehicle, belonging to Al-Quds Today Television, was parked. The station, based in Gaza, is affiliated with the Palestine Islamic Jihad militant group.

The victims, identified as Ayman Al-Jadi, Faisal Abu Al-Qumsan, Mohammed Al-Lada’a, Ibrahim Al-Sheikh Ali, and Fadi Hassouna, were reportedly asleep in the vehicle when the airstrike occurred. Following the attack, footage revealed the vehicle engulfed in flames, with “TV” and “PRESS” visible on the back doors. Al-Quds Today Television condemned the incident, stating that the journalists were killed while fulfilling their professional and humanitarian duties.

The Israeli military confirmed the airstrike, stating that it had targeted an “Islamic Jihad terrorist cell” in the Nuseirat area. However, no evidence was provided to substantiate this claim. The attack is part of a broader pattern of violence against journalists covering the ongoing conflict in the region. According to the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), at least 141 journalists and media workers have been killed since October 7, 2023, making this the deadliest period for journalists since CPJ began tracking such incidents in 1992. Of those killed, 133 were Palestinians in Gaza, who face increasing dangers while covering the conflict.

Earlier this month, another Israeli airstrike killed Al Jazeera photojournalist Ahmad Al-Louh, along with four others, when the strike targeted a Civil Defense office in Gaza’s Nuseirat Camp. Al-Louh was reportedly covering a rescue operation at the time. The Israeli military claimed the Civil Defense office was used by Hamas as a “command-and-control center” but did not provide evidence to support its allegations that Al-Louh had any ties to Islamic Jihad.