Israeli Strikes in Gaza Kill 20, Including Journalist, Say Rescue Officials

GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip — May 25, 2024 — At least 20 Palestinians, including a local journalist, were killed in a series of Israeli airstrikes targeting central and northern parts of the Gaza Strip on Saturday, according to local rescue service officials. The surge in deadly attacks marks another escalation in the ongoing conflict, deepening the region’s humanitarian crisis as ceasefire negotiations remain stalled.

Dozens Killed Amid Ongoing Escalation

Local authorities reported that Israeli airstrikes struck residential buildings in both Nuseirat refugee camp in central Gaza and densely populated areas of Gaza City. The strikes, which began overnight and continued into the morning, killed at least 20 people — including women, children, and a journalist named Mohammad Abu Hasira, according to the Palestinian Civil Defense and Al-Aqsa TV. The death toll is expected to rise as rescue efforts continue amidst heavy rubble.

Medics and witnesses described chaotic scenes as emergency teams struggled to retrieve the wounded and dead from collapsed buildings. “There were people screaming under the debris,” said a Civil Defense responder, who spoke to Reuters on condition of anonymity due to security concerns. “We are racing against time to save whoever we can.”

Journalist Among Victims as Press Targeted

Among the fatalities was journalist Mohammad Abu Hasira, a reporter for the Gaza-based Al-Aqsa TV network. Press freedom advocates condemned the attack, noting that over 100 journalists have been killed in Gaza since hostilities escalated in October 2023.

“Journalists have continued to pay a disproportionate price in this war,” said Sherif Mansour, Middle East and North Africa coordinator for the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ). “Targeted or indiscriminate attacks on media must stop, and perpetrators must be held accountable.”

The Israeli military has previously stated that it does not target journalists deliberately, but it has come under increasing scrutiny from international organizations over the mounting civilian and press casualties.

Israeli Military Response and Context

An Israeli military spokesperson confirmed the overnight strikes, stating that they targeted what the military described as “terrorist infrastructure” operated by Hamas and Islamic Jihad militants. “The operations were based on intelligence indicating the presence of militants preparing attacks against Israeli forces,” the spokesperson told Reuters.

Hamas, which governs Gaza, denied that its combatants were present in the targeted locations and accused Israel of committing “crimes against civilians.”

Saturday’s attacks come as Israeli ground operations intensify in northern and central Gaza, following failed ceasefire talks in Egypt earlier this week.

Humanitarian Situation Deteriorates

The continued bombardment has exacerbated an already dire humanitarian situation in Gaza, where the United Nations estimates over 80% of the population is displaced, and basic supplies are running critically low. Hospitals near the targeted areas, already struggling with power shortages and lack of medical supplies, report a surge in casualties.

Philippe Lazzarini, head of the UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), described conditions as “catastrophic.” In a statement released Saturday, he warned, “Without a ceasefire and immediate humanitarian access, more lives will be lost needlessly.”

International Reaction and Calls for Ceasefire

The fresh wave of civilian casualties has prompted renewed calls from international leaders for an immediate halt to hostilities and protection of non-combatants.

The United States and European Union reiterated demands for both sides to commit to a ceasefire and allow expanded humanitarian corridors. “We urge all parties to respect international law, especially the protection of journalists and civilians,” said Josep Borrell, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs.

Meanwhile, pro-Palestinian demonstrations erupted in major cities across the globe, demanding stronger action from the United Nations Security Council.

Civilian Toll in Ongoing Conflict

Saturday’s strikes underscore a grim trend in the Gaza conflict, now in its eighth month. The Gaza Health Ministry reports that more than 35,000 people — a majority of them civilians — have been killed since October 2023, with thousands more missing or wounded. The toll is widely disputed; Israel contends that many deaths are combatants, while humanitarian agencies insist civilians constitute the vast majority.

The killing of 20 more civilians, including a journalist, in Saturday’s airstrikes highlights the escalating dangers faced by Palestinian residents and the press in Gaza. As diplomatic efforts flounder and violence continues, international pressure mounts for a lasting ceasefire and renewed protection for those caught in the conflict’s crossfire.