Gaza death toll surges to 45,338 as Israeli airstrikes kill five journalists in fresh attacks
The Israeli raging attacks on Gaza have raised the death toll since October 7, 2023, to 45,338, with 107,803 injuries reported, the majority being women and children.
Emergency services have struggled to reach victims due to continued Israeli restrictions on ambulance and civil defense movements, leaving casualties under rubble or stranded on roads.
The violence persists despite international calls for a ceasefire and the International Court of Justice’s directives to prevent genocide.
In a tragic development early Thursday, five journalists from the Al-Quds Today channel were killed when an Israeli airstrike targeted their broadcasting van near al-Awda Hospital in Gaza’s Nuseirat refugee camp.
The vehicle, marked with “PRESS” in bold red letters, was destroyed as the journalists covered events at the hospital.
The victims were identified as Fadi Hassouna, Ibrahim al-Sheikh Ali, Mohammed al-Ladah, Faisal Abu al-Qumsan, and Ayman al-Jadi. Al-Jadi was reportedly awaiting the birth of his first child at the time of the strike.
The Israeli military confirmed the attack, claiming it targeted members of Islamic Jihad. The military stated that “many steps were taken to reduce civilian harm,” citing the use of precision weapons and intelligence measures.
The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) condemned the attack and called for accountability, emphasizing the need to protect press freedom and ensure justice for the victims.
Footage from the scene showed the van ablaze, with civil defense teams recovering bodies amid the destruction.
