The unfolding tragedy in Gaza has escalated yet again, with medics reporting that an Israeli airstrike killed five journalists from Al-Quds Al-Youm television channel. The incident occurred outside Al-Awda Hospital in Nuseirat, central Gaza. However, Israel’s military insists the strike targeted a vehicle carrying members of the Islamic Jihad militant group.
Medics confirmed the journalists were among at least 21 people killed in pre-dawn strikes on Thursday. As usual, Israel claims its actions were precise and necessary, while Gaza authorities label them a blatant massacre. The Al-Quds Today channel, mourning the deaths, described the strike as an outright atrocity against individuals simply performing their media and humanitarian duties. But for the Israeli military, the narrative is sharply different, they allege the targeted vehicle was harbouring Islamic Jihad militants, not journalists.
The numbers are alot. Gaza health officials report over 45,300 Palestinians killed since the conflict started in October 2023. Entire neighborhoods lie in ruins, and most of Gaza’s 2.3 million residents have been displaced. Yet, the relentless cycle of attacks continues.
Hamas and Israel remain locked in a bitter blame game over ceasefire delays. Hamas accuses Israel of introducing new demands, while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accuses Hamas of backtracking on agreements. Meanwhile, the death toll rises, and the lives of civilians, journalists included—are treated as collateral damage in a conflict that appears to have no end in sight. Can we just have the ceasefire already, the world is tired of this war.
Relatives and colleagues condemned the strike, emphasizing that the journalists were merely doing their jobs. “May God take revenge on them,” cried the mother of one victim.
In the Zeitoun neighborhood and elsewhere, bodies continue to be pulled from the rubble. Indeed “Peace” yet simple has an high currency.
