Israeli Strikes in Gaza Kill 53, Including Journalist and Rescue Workers

At least 53 Palestinians were killed in Israeli airstrikes on Gaza on Sunday, including a journalist, rescue workers, and children, according to medics and local reports. The Israeli military stated that its air and ground forces targeted militants from Hamas and Islamic Jihad, killing dozens and capturing others.

Airstrike on Civil Emergency Centre

One of the most high-profile incidents was an airstrike on the Civil Emergency Centre in the Nuseirat market area of central Gaza. The strike killed:

• Ahmed Al-Louh, a video journalist for Al Jazeera TV
• Nedal Abu Hjayyer, the head of Gaza’s Civil Emergency Service
• Five other civilians, including children

Al Jazeera condemned the killing of its journalist and claimed that Al-Louh was working at the time of the strike. The Israeli military claimed that the attack targeted militants from Hamas and Islamic Jihad who were operating from the site. Israel further alleged that Al-Louh was a member of the Islamic Jihad militant group, but provided no evidence to support this claim. Al Jazeera did not respond to this specific allegation but has previously refuted Israeli claims that its journalists were affiliated with militant groups.

Strikes on Homes and Civilian Areas

Additional airstrikes struck homes and civilian areas in Gaza City, Beit Lahiya, Beit Hanoun, Jabalia Camp, and Rafah. The strikes resulted in heavy casualties:

• 11 people were killed in Gaza City, with Israeli forces claiming the targeted homes were linked to militants planning imminent attacks.
• 9 people died in strikes on the towns of Beit Lahiya, Beit Hanoun, and the Jabalia refugee camp, where houses were bombed or set ablaze.
• 2 more people were killed in Rafah.

The Israeli military claimed it had taken steps to reduce the risk to civilians, such as using precise munitions and aerial surveillance. However, Palestinian medics and residents reported significant civilian casualties.

Attack on Aid Truck Guards

Another airstrike targeted a group of men affiliated with Hamas, who were assigned to protect aid trucks in an area west of Gaza City. Several people were injured in the attack, but exact casualty figures were not immediately available.

Israeli Military Justification

The Israeli military defended its operations, stating that the targeted homes belonged to militants who were “planning imminent attacks”. The military further stated that it uses advanced methods, such as precise munitions and aerial surveillance, to minimize civilian harm.

This escalation comes amid ongoing conflict in Gaza, with concerns about the safety of journalists, rescue workers, and civilians in heavily populated areas. The targeting of media personnel has drawn widespread condemnation from human rights groups, press freedom organizations, and media outlets like Al Jazeera.

The situation remains tense as the violence in Gaza continues, with diplomatic efforts ongoing to de-escalate the conflict