NAIROBI, Kenya- Three Palestinian journalists were killed on Wednesday after an Israeli strike hit their vehicle in central Gaza, first responders have said, in what has sparked renewed concern over the safety of media workers operating in the enclave.
Gaza’s Hamas-run Civil Defence agency said the journalists — Mohammed Salah Qeshta, Anas Ghunaim and Abdul Raouf Shaath — were killed when their car was struck in the al-Zahra area.
The three were reportedly documenting humanitarian activities linked to an Egyptian relief organisation.
What Happened and Conflicting Accounts
According to the Civil Defence agency, the vehicle was clearly marked and was conducting a humanitarian media assignment at the time of the strike.
The Israeli military, however, said its forces targeted “several suspects who operated a drone affiliated with Hamas” and posed a threat to Israeli troops. The army added that the incident was still under investigation.
A spokesperson for the Egyptian Relief Committee said the journalists were filming displacement camps and described the strike as a direct hit on a humanitarian mission.
The killings come amid continued violence in Gaza, despite a ceasefire that began on October 10.
According to Gaza’s health ministry:
- At least 466 Palestinians have been killed since the ceasefire began
- Eight people, including two children, were killed on Wednesday alone
- Israeli tank fire reportedly killed three people, including a 10-year-old boy, in central Gaza
- Gunfire in Khan Younis killed a 13-year-old boy and a woman
The Israeli military confirmed killing a person it described as a “terrorist” who crossed the Yellow Line, a demarcation area under Israeli control, but did not specify the location.
Israel says three of its soldiers have been killed during the same ceasefire period.
Journalists Under Fire
The deaths have drawn strong condemnation from media rights groups.
The Palestinian Journalists Syndicate described the incident as a war crime, accusing Israel of systematically targeting journalists to suppress reporting from Gaza.
Meanwhile, the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) said at least 206 journalists and media workers have been killed by Israeli fire in Gaza since the war began — making it the deadliest conflict for journalists ever recorded.
International media outlets continue to rely heavily on local journalists, as Israel restricts independent foreign press access to Gaza. Some reporters are only allowed entry under Israeli military escort.
