A Palestinian television channel reports that five of its journalists lost their lives due to an Israeli strike in the central Gaza Strip.
A Quds Today van was stationed outside al-Awda hospital, where the spouse of one of the journalists was on the verge of giving birth to Nuseirat refugee camp.
The channel shared a video purportedly showing a vehicle engulfed in flames, prominently displaying “press” signage on its rear doors.
The Israeli Air Force reported that it conducted a targeted strike, utilizing intelligence, on a vehicle containing members of the armed group Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ). Officials stated that steps have been implemented to reduce the risk of civilian casualties.
Verification of the claims presented by both parties remains unconfirmed by the BBC.
Quds Today has connections to the Palestinian Islamic Jihad, a group involved in the Hamas-led assault on Israel that occurred on October 7, 2023. An unprecedented attack has ignited the conflict in Gaza.
On Wednesday, Israeli airstrikes on Gaza City resulted in the deaths of five individuals, according to reports.
The Palestinian Wafa news agency, along with the Hamas-run Gaza health ministry, reported that an additional 20 individuals sustained injuries in the al-Zeitoun neighbourhood of the city.
The Israeli military has yet to provide a statement regarding the alleged bombing.
On Wednesday, tensions escalated as Hamas and Israel exchanged accusations regarding the setbacks in their latest efforts to establish a ceasefire.
Hamas has levelled accusations against the Israeli government, claiming that it is imposing “new conditions” that are hindering the progress of the agreement.
In a recent statement, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accused the group of failing to uphold previously established agreements concerning a potential ceasefire.
The recent statements indicate a significant shift in tone from both parties involved.
On Tuesday, officials from Netanyahu’s office announced that Israeli representatives had just returned from Qatar, where significant negotiations were underway. Earlier, Palestinian negotiators informed the BBC that the discussions were nearly finalized, with only a few outstanding issues remaining.
The Israeli military has initiated air strikes and a ground offensive in the Gaza Strip, a move that comes in the wake of last year’s Hamas attack. Approximately 1,200 individuals lost their lives in the attack, while an additional 251 were taken back to Gaza as hostages.
According to Gaza’s health ministry, Israel’s offensive has resulted in the deaths of over 45,000 Palestinians. According to the United Nations, nearly two million individuals, representing 90% of the population, have been forced to flee their homes.
