A deadly Israeli airstrike in central Gaza on Wednesday resulted in the deaths of at least 11 Palestinians, including three journalists on assignment for the Egyptian relief committee. The journalists—identified as Mohammad Salah Qishta, Abdul Raouf Samir Shaat, and Anas Ghanem—were killed when their clearly marked vehicle was struck while they documented conditions at a displacement camp operated by the Egyptian committee.
A spokesperson for the committee expressed profound shock, stating, ‘They were on a humanitarian mission. Everyone knew the vehicle and that those inside worked for the committee. We were devastated to see it directly targeted.’ A source within the committee described the incident as a ‘dangerous precedent,’ raising grave concerns about the safety of humanitarian operations throughout Gaza.
The Israeli military confirmed the strike, asserting it targeted individuals allegedly operating a drone on behalf of Hamas. This incident occurred alongside separate artillery and gunfire attacks in Deir al-Balah and Khan Younis, which local media reported claimed five more lives, including two children and a woman.
Hamas spokesperson Hazem Qassem condemned what he characterized as a significant escalation by Israel since the ceasefire agreement entered its second phase. In a video statement, Qassem accused Israel of attempting to undermine truce efforts and sabotage mediation led by the United States, alongside efforts to establish a new administrative committee. He urgently called on international mediators to intervene effectively to compel Israel to halt these alleged violations.
According to Gaza’s Government Media Office, Israel has committed approximately 1,300 violations since the ceasefire began on October 10th. These reported breaches include airstrikes, civilian casualties, arrests, home demolitions, and restrictions on aid delivery. The Palestinian Ministry of Health reports that at least 450 Palestinians have been killed since the ceasefire was signed, adding to a devastating toll that has seen over 71,000 killed and 170,000 wounded during the conflict.