On December 26, 2024, an Israeli airstrike targeted a live broadcasting vehicle in Gaza, resulting in the deaths of five journalists. The Israeli military claimed that the vehicle was being used by Islamic Jihad militants, although no evidence was provided to support this assertion.
According to Israeli officials, the strike was a precision attack on a vehicle carrying terrorists in the Nuseyrat area. The military emphasized that precautions were taken to avoid civilian casualties, but did not mention the journalists in their statements.
The Palestinian Journalists' Syndicate confirmed that the deceased were employees of the Gaza-based television channel 'Al-Quds Today.' Eyewitness videos showed the burning white van marked with a red 'Press' label, indicating its media purpose.
The Turkish Journalists' Syndicate condemned the attack, stating that the number of journalists killed since the beginning of the conflict has risen to 201. They accused Israel of attempting to prevent the documentation of its alleged crimes against humanity in Gaza.
On the same day, tensions escalated between Israel and Hamas, with both sides exchanging accusations as ceasefire negotiations reached an impasse. Recent discussions had suggested progress, but the breakdown led Hamas to accuse Israel of imposing new conditions, while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claimed Hamas had reneged on previously accepted terms.
Since the outbreak of hostilities on October 7, 2023, following a violent attack by Hamas, over 45,300 Palestinians have reportedly lost their lives.