Israeli Airstrike Kills 9 in Northern Gaza Amid Fragile Ceasefire: Journalists and Aid Workers Targeted
Northern Gaza Strike Escalates Tensions
An Israeli airstrike in Beit Lahia, northern Gaza, killed nine people on Saturday, including journalists and humanitarian workers, according to Gaza’s Civil Defence Agency. The attack, which coincided with artillery shelling, has drawn condemnation from Hamas as a “blatant violation” of the tenuous ceasefire in place since January.
Conflicting Narratives Emerge
Gaza’s Civil Defence spokesman, Mahmoud Bassal, reported that the victims—transferred to the Indonesian Hospital—included employees of the Al-Khair Charitable Organisation and journalists documenting a Ramadan event. Hamas-affiliated media director Ismail Thawabteh claimed the journalists were “directly targeted” while filming a Ramadan gathering, alleging Israeli drones struck their vehicle and a second rescue car.
The Israeli military defended the strike, stating it targeted “terrorists” operating a drone near IDF troops. It later attacked a vehicle carrying individuals who retrieved the equipment, asserting they posed an imminent threat.
Ceasefire Under Strain
The fragile truce, brokered in January after 15 months of conflict, remains precarious. While Israel and Hamas have avoided large-scale warfare, near-daily Israeli strikes continue, often targeting alleged militant activities. Hamas spokesperson Hazem Qassem condemned the attack as a “horrific massacre,” accusing Israel of systematically endangering journalists and civilians.
The Palestinian Journalists Syndicate identified four media workers killed—Bilal Abu Matar, Mahmoud Al-Sarraj, Bilal Aqila, and Mahmoud Asleem—and denounced Israel’s “targeting of truth-seekers.”
Humanitarian Crisis Deepens
Gaza’s Hamas-run health ministry reports over 48,300 deaths since Israel’s offensive began in response to Hamas’ October 7 attacks, which killed 1,200 Israelis and saw 251 taken hostage. Humanitarian conditions have deteriorated, with shortages of aid, medical supplies, and infrastructure.
West Bank Violence Intensifies
Meanwhile, in the occupied West Bank, Israeli forces ignited homes in Jenin refugee camp during a 54-day assault, displacing 20,000 residents and destroying 120 homes, according to Palestinian news agency Wafa. Roads near Jenin Governmental Hospital were blockaded, further straining access to critical services.
Ceasefire Negotiations Stalled
Efforts to extend the ceasefire have stalled, with the U.S. criticizing Hamas for “impractical demands,” including immediate talks on a permanent truce. The initial phase of the agreement included hostage-prisoner exchanges, but disputes over Gaza’s future and Israel’s security concerns persist.
International Calls for De-escalation
The strike underscores escalating risks to civilians and aid workers in conflict zones. Global observers urge renewed diplomacy to prevent further collapse of the ceasefire and address Gaza’s humanitarian emergency.