Israeli airstrikes on Wednesday resulted in the deaths of at least 11 Palestinians in Gaza, including two 13-year-old boys, three journalists, and a woman. This incident marks one of the deadliest days in the enclave since the ceasefire between Hamas and Israel was implemented on October 10, 2023. Hospitals reported the casualties, which highlight the ongoing violence in the region despite attempts to stabilize the situation.
The fatalities included three Palestinian journalists who were killed while documenting conditions near a displacement camp in central Gaza. According to officials from Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital, the journalists were struck by Israeli fire while filming approximately 5 kilometers from the Israeli-controlled area. Mohammed Mansour, a spokesperson for the Egyptian government committee managing the camp, confirmed that the journalists were working on documenting the committee’s efforts to assist displaced individuals.
One of the journalists, Abdul Raouf Shaat, was a known contributor to Agence France-Presse (AFP). The agency expressed deep sorrow over his death, describing him as a “much-loved” colleague. AFP called for a thorough investigation into the circumstances of his death, emphasizing the risks faced by journalists in conflict zones. Since the conflict escalated in 2023, over 200 Palestinian journalists and media workers have been killed in Gaza, according to the Committee to Protect Journalists.
The two boys who lost their lives in the violence were killed in separate incidents. The first, identified as Moatsem al-Sharafy, was reportedly struck by an Israeli drone while gathering firewood near his home. His mother, Safaa al-Sharafy, expressed her grief, saying he had left to help with cooking. “He went out in the morning, hungry. He told me he’d go quickly and come back,” she said, tears streaming down her face.
In another incident, the second boy was shot by Israeli troops in the eastern town of Bani Suheila. Nasser Hospital confirmed receiving his body, further deepening the tragedy of the day as families mourn their losses.
The violence extended beyond Gaza, with Israeli airstrikes targeting sites in southern Lebanon as well. The Israeli military reported multiple strikes against locations allegedly used by the militant group Hezbollah to store weapons. The attacks resulted in injuries to at least 19 individuals, including journalists, in the village of Qennarit.
As the situation continues to escalate, the Gaza health ministry reported that over 470 Palestinians have died as a result of Israeli fire since the ceasefire took effect. The ministry, which operates under the Hamas-led government, maintains detailed casualty records that are generally accepted as reliable by U.N. agencies and independent experts.
The ongoing conflict has raised concerns about the safety of civilians and journalists in the region. According to Nasser Hospital officials, a Palestinian woman was also killed by Israeli fire in the Muwasi area of Khan Younis, which is not controlled by Israeli forces. In a separate incident, three brothers were killed in tank shelling within the Bureij refugee camp.
In light of the ongoing hostilities, families of hostages continue to seek answers. The first phase of the ceasefire focused on the release of hostages in exchange for Palestinian detainees. While most hostages have been returned, one family, including Talik Gvili—the mother of a police officer killed during the initial attack that kicked off the current conflict—has been vocal about their search for answers regarding the whereabouts of their loved one.
As international efforts to mediate peace continue, the situation in Gaza remains critical, with many looking to the global community, including U.S. President Donald Trump, for intervention and support in seeking a lasting resolution to the conflict.
