Israeli airstrikes in the Gaza Strip have killed six people, including a journalist working for Al Jazeera, Palestinian officials said on Wednesday. The strikes came as violence between Israel and Palestinian factions escalated, raising fears of a wider conflagration.
The dead were identified by Gaza’s health ministry as Ahmed Shehada, a correspondent for Al Jazeera, and five others, including two children. The Israeli military said it had targeted a “Hamas command and control centre” embedded in a civilian area, claiming it was taking precautions to avoid civilian casualties.
The strike occurred in the Nuseirat refugee camp in central Gaza, where Shehada’s home was hit. Al Jazeera condemned the attack as a “targeted killing” of its staff, calling for international accountability.
This incident is part of a broader surge in hostilities that began on Tuesday when Israel launched a series of air raids across Gaza, citing rocket fire from militant groups. Palestinian health officials report at least 40 deaths since then, with more than 300 wounded. The Israeli military claims to have struck over 200 sites, including weapons manufacturing facilities and launch sites.
International reactions have been swift. The United Nations expressed grave concern, with the Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, Tor Wennesland, urging restraint on all sides. The United States reaffirmed Israel’s right to self-defence but called for the protection of civilians and journalists. The European Union’s foreign policy chief, Josep Borrell, described the killing of Shehada as “deeply concerning”.
The escalation threatens to unravel the fragile ceasefire that has held since the 11-day war in May 2021. Several rounds of indirect talks between Israel and Hamas, brokered by Egypt and the UN, have failed to secure a lasting truce. Meanwhile, analysts warn that the targeting of journalists could further inflame public opinion and complicate diplomatic efforts.
As the region braces for further violence, the international community faces renewed pressure to intervene. The killing of a journalist, in particular, draws attention to the dangers faced by reporters covering conflict zones and the erosion of press freedom in war-torn areas.