Israeli Strike kills Three Palestinian Journalists in Gaza
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Three Palestinian journalists were killed Wednesday in an israeli strike in central Gaza, according to first responders and the Hamas-run Civil Defence agency. The journalists, identified as Mohammed Salah Qashta, Anas Ghneim, and Abdul Raouf Shaat, were reportedly working for an Egyptian relief organization when their vehicle was struck in the al-Zahra area.
The Incident and Israeli Military response
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) stated they targeted “several suspects who operated a drone affiliated with Hamas… in a manner that posed a threat” to their troops. The IDF also confirmed the incident is currently under examination. The strike occurred amidst ongoing conflict in the Gaza Strip.
Victims and their Affiliations
The journalists were employees of an egyptian relief organization, though the specific organization has not been publicly named. Reuters reports that the Civil Defence agency in Gaza provided the names of the victims.Mohammed Salah Qashta, Anas ghneim, and Abdul Raouf Shaat were actively reporting from the region.
Broader Casualties in Gaza on Wednesday
Beyond the deaths of the journalists, the Hamas-run health ministry reported that eight additional Palestinians, including two children, were killed Wednesday by Israeli artillery and gunfire across Gaza. Al Jazeera detailed the escalating casualties, noting the ongoing intensity of the conflict. As of January 10, 2024, the total death toll in Gaza since the start of the conflict exceeds 23,000, according to the Gaza health Ministry.
Context: risks Faced by Journalists in Conflict Zones
Journalists operating in conflict zones like Gaza face extreme risks. The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) has consistently documented the dangers faced by media workers in the region, including targeted attacks and collateral damage. The United Nations Security Council has addressed the protection of journalists in armed conflict, emphasizing the importance of upholding international law and ensuring the safety of media personnel.
