Three Palestinian journalists were killed on Wednesday after an Israeli airstrike hit a vehicle in central Gaza, adding to growing concerns over journalist safety during ongoing hostilities despite an active ceasefire.
According to Gaza’s Civil Defence authority and the Palestinian Journalists Syndicate, the strike occurred in the al-Zahra area, south of Gaza City. The victims were identified as Anas Ghunaim, Abdul Ra’ouf Shaath, and Mohammad Qeshta. All three were working as photojournalists at the time of the incident.
Humanitarian Documentation Mission
The journalists were reportedly documenting conditions inside a recently established displacement camp near the Netzarim Corridor, a sensitive zone under Israeli military control. They were affiliated with the Egyptian Committee for Gaza Relief, which stated that the vehicle was clearly marked with the organization’s insignia and was known to Israeli authorities.
A spokesperson for the relief group said the journalists were engaged in a humanitarian documentation mission when the strike occurred. Abdul Ra’ouf Shaath was also known for contributing freelance photo work to international media outlets, including Agence France-Presse.
Conflicting Accounts From Both Sides
The Israeli military confirmed it carried out the strike, stating that it targeted individuals allegedly operating a drone connected to Hamas and posing a threat to Israeli forces. Officials said the incident is currently under review.
Hamas rejected the military’s account, describing the strike as a serious escalation and accusing Israel of violating the ceasefire agreement. The Egyptian relief organization also disputed the Israeli claim, stating the attack occurred several kilometers away from Israeli-controlled territory.
Wider Violence Reported Across Gaza
The deaths of the journalists were part of a broader wave of violence reported across Gaza on January 21. Gaza’s Health Ministry said at least 11 Palestinians were killed in separate incidents that day, including women and children.
Reported cases included a family struck by tank fire in Deir el-Balah, a teenage boy killed near Khan Younis while collecting firewood, and additional fatalities in northern areas of the territory. The Israeli military said one of its units killed a person who crossed a restricted boundary, though no specific location was provided.
Ceasefire Under Strain
The violence occurred amid a U.S.-backed ceasefire that began on October 10. Palestinian officials claim hundreds of people have been killed since the truce took effect, while Israel says several of its soldiers have died in attacks by armed groups during the same period.
The broader conflict, which began after the Hamas-led attack on southern Israel in October 2023, has resulted in tens of thousands of Palestinian deaths, according to Gaza health authorities.
International Reaction and Press Freedom Concerns
Journalist advocacy groups strongly condemned the killings. The Palestinian Journalists Syndicate labeled the incident a war crime, while international press organizations called for independent investigations.
The Committee to Protect Journalists stated that the Gaza war has become the deadliest conflict for media workers in its records, emphasizing that journalists are civilians under international law and must not be targeted while performing their duties.
Foreign journalists remain barred from entering Gaza independently, increasing reliance on local reporters who continue to operate under dangerous conditions.
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