Israeli forces launched airstrikes in Gaza on Wednesday, resulting in the deaths of at least 11 Palestinians, including two 13-year-old boys, three journalists, and a woman. This incident marks one of the deadliest days in the war-torn enclave since a ceasefire took effect on October 10, 2023. The violence raises serious questions about the ongoing conflict and the safety of civilians and media personnel in the region.
The three journalists were killed while documenting conditions near a displacement camp in central Gaza. According to Mohammed Mansour, spokesperson for the Egyptian government committee overseeing the camp, the airstrike targeted a vehicle approximately 5 kilometers (about 3 miles) from an Israeli-controlled area. The vehicle was known to the Israeli military as associated with the committee’s operations. In a tragic moment captured on video, the father of one of the deceased boys, Moatsem al-Sharafy, is seen mourning his son, who had ventured out to collect firewood for his family.
Details about the strikes reveal a pattern of attacks resulting in civilian casualties. The two boys were killed in separate incidents. One was struck by Israeli drones in the Bureij refugee camp, while the other was shot by troops in Bani Suheila, according to officials from local hospitals. Reports from Nasser Hospital confirmed the arrival of the body of the second boy, who was shot during a routine outing.
The deadly strikes underscore the heightened risks faced by journalists in the region. According to the Committee to Protect Journalists, over 200 Palestinian journalists and media workers have lost their lives since the onset of hostilities in 2023. The agency emphasized the need for a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the deaths of the journalists, including Abdul Raouf Shaat, a contributor to Agence France-Presse (AFP). The agency described Shaat as a beloved colleague and called for accountability regarding his death.
In addition to the journalists, a Palestinian woman was also reported killed by Israeli fire in the Muwasi area of Khan Younis. Local reports indicate that three brothers lost their lives due to tank shelling in the Bureij camp. Since the ceasefire began, Gaza’s health ministry has recorded over 470 Palestinian deaths attributed to Israeli fire, highlighting the ongoing humanitarian crisis in the region.
The ceasefire agreement aimed to facilitate the return of hostages held by Hamas in exchange for the release of Palestinian detainees. While most hostages have been returned, the family of Ran Gvili, a police officer killed during the initial attacks, continues to call for clarity regarding the return of his remains. Gvili’s mother, Talik Gvili, expressed her anguish and determination to ensure her son’s story is heard.
In a related development, Israel’s air force conducted strikes in southern Lebanon, targeting sites allegedly used by the militant group Hezbollah for weapons storage. The military reported that it targeted four border crossings in Lebanon’s northeastern region of Hermel. The strikes have drawn condemnation from Lebanese officials, including President Joseph Aoun, who described the actions as “systematic aggression.” Reports indicate that at least 19 individuals, including journalists, were injured in these attacks.
As the situation in Gaza remains dire, the international community continues to monitor the escalating violence. Access for international journalists has been limited, forcing news organizations to rely on local reporters and residents to convey the realities on the ground. The ongoing conflict raises significant humanitarian concerns, necessitating urgent attention from global leaders and organizations.
