Israeli military operations in Gaza have led to the deaths of at least 11 Palestinians, including two boys and three journalists. Local health officials reported that these fatalities occurred in separate incidents on Wednesday, exacerbating the ongoing violence that threatens a fragile ceasefire established three months ago.
The violence unfolded as an Israeli airstrike targeted three journalists who were en route to document conditions at a displaced persons camp in central Gaza. According to the Palestinian health ministry, these journalists were killed while traveling in a vehicle affiliated with the Egyptian Committee, which aids humanitarian efforts in the region.
In a separate incident, Israeli tank shelling resulted in the deaths of three individuals, including a 10-year-old boy, also in central Gaza. Additionally, two more casualties, including a 13-year-old boy, were reported from shooting incidents in Khan Younis, a city in southern Gaza. The total death toll for the day reached 11, according to Gaza’s health authorities.
The Israeli military stated that the airstrike targeting the journalists was a response to “suspects who operated a drone affiliated with Hamas.” The IDF claimed that this drone posed an imminent threat to their forces. In a statement, the Palestinian Journalists Syndicate emphasized that the journalists were engaged in humanitarian work, documenting the hardships faced by civilians in displacement camps. They clarified that it remains unverified whether the journalists were using a drone during their filming.
The Committee to Protect Journalists reported that 206 journalists and media workers have been killed in Gaza since the onset of the ongoing conflict. The organization criticized the Israeli military for failing to conduct formal investigations into these deaths or to hold anyone accountable. The Palestinian Journalists Syndicate estimates the number of journalists killed in Gaza at over 260.
As tensions rise, both Israel and Hamas have exchanged accusations regarding violations of the ceasefire that was established following a devastating two-year conflict. The ceasefire was prompted by a Hamas-led attack on October 7, 2023, which resulted in the deaths of approximately 1,200 individuals in Israel. In retaliation, Israel’s military operations in Gaza have reportedly claimed the lives of around 71,000 Palestinians, according to local health officials.
The ongoing conflict has led to significant international concern, particularly regarding the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. US President Donald Trump is set to oversee a ceremony celebrating the Board of Peace, a group aimed at facilitating the redevelopment of Gaza. The peace plan, however, has yet to progress beyond the initial ceasefire phase, with no clear timetable for future steps.
As the situation continues to evolve, the immediate focus remains on the humanitarian impact and the ongoing violence that undermines any prospects for lasting peace in the region.
