Israeli airstrike claims lives of five Palestinian Journalists in Gaza

In a tragic turn of events, an Israeli airstrike has taken the lives of five Palestinian journalists working for the Quds News Network in Gaza. 

The deadly strike occurred overnight, just outside Al-Awda Hospital in the Nuseirat refugee camp, located in central Gaza. 

The Health Ministry confirmed the incident early Thursday morning.

The Israeli military has said the airstrike was aimed at a group of militants, specifically targeting fighters from the Islamic Jihad group, which is aligned with Hamas. 

This attack comes in the wake of the October 7, 2023 Hamas-led assault into southern Israel, which marked the beginning of the ongoing conflict.

While the military insists it was targeting militants, the Quds News Network, where the journalists worked, confirmed the strike. 

The loss of these journalists has added to the growing number of casualties among the media in Gaza. 

According to the Committee to Protect Journalists, more than 130 Palestinian reporters have been killed since the war began. The Israeli government has restricted the entry of foreign journalists into Gaza, allowing only military embeds.

The war itself began with a surprise attack by Hamas-led militants, who stormed Israeli army bases and nearby farming communities. 

This attack left around 1,200 people dead, mostly civilians, and led to the abduction of roughly 250 people. 

As of now, about 100 hostages are still being held in Gaza, and it is believed that at least one-third of them have already lost their lives.

The ongoing Israeli air and ground offensive has left a devastating toll on Gaza, with the Health Ministry reporting over 45,000 Palestinian deaths.

More than half of these casualties have been women and children, although the exact number of fighters among the dead has not been disclosed.

The destruction caused by the offensive has displaced about 90% of Gaza’s population, around 2.3 million people. 

Many have been forced into overcrowded tent camps along the coast, where they are struggling to survive with little protection from the cold and wet winter weather.