Israeli Strike Targets Journalists’ Van in Gaza, Five Killed

Five journalists working for the Palestinian TV channel Quds Today were killed in an Israeli airstrike in the central Gaza Strip, according to the channel. The tragic incident occurred while the journalists were inside a van parked outside the al-Awda hospital in the Nuseirat refugee camp. The van was reportedly awaiting the birth of the wife of one of the journalists.

The Quds Today channel released a video showing the burning vehicle, which bore "press" signage on its back doors, symbolizing the journalists' affiliation. The strike is said to have targeted the van in a densely populated area, leading to the deaths of all five journalists.

In response, the Israeli Air Force confirmed that it had carried out a targeted strike based on "intelligence guidance." The Israeli military stated that the attack was aimed at a vehicle containing members of the Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ), a militant group. The Israeli forces added that measures were taken to minimize civilian casualties during the operation.

This attack underscores the ongoing dangers faced by journalists in conflict zones and raises serious questions about the safety of media personnel amid the escalating violence in Gaza.