Five journalists were killed in an Israeli airstrike on a media vehicle near a hospital in Gaza, according to Palestinian authorities and local journalists. The attack occurred near the Al-Awda hospital in the Nuseirat refugee camp, where reporters from Al-Quds Today channel were collecting news and filming. The Israeli airstrike targeted their broadcast vehicle, resulting in the tragic deaths.

The incident was confirmed by Al Jazeera's correspondent, Anas al-Sharif, on Thursday morning, December 26. Social media footage of the scene showed the vehicle engulfed in flames with smoke rising from it, and the word "PRESS" still visible in large red letters on the back of the vehicle.

The five journalists killed were identified as Fadi Hassouna, Ibrahim al-Sheikh Ali, Mohammed al-Ladah, Faisal Abu al-Kumsan, and Ayman al-Jadi. Al Jazeera’s Anas al-Sharif reported that Ayman al-Jadi had been waiting outside the hospital for his wife, who was in labor with their first child. He had been waiting to escort her inside when the bombing occurred.

Following the attack, a civilian defense team arrived at the scene to extinguish the fire and recover the bodies of the victims. There was no immediate comment from Israeli authorities on the incident. Due to Israeli restrictions, Al Jazeera reporters were unable to contact Israeli officials for comment.

This attack follows a pattern of increasing violence against journalists in Gaza. The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) condemned the killing of four Palestinian journalists by Israeli forces earlier this month and called on the international community to hold Israel accountable for attacks on the media. Despite these calls, Israel has continued to target media workers.

Since October 7, 2023, Israeli attacks on Gaza have resulted in the deaths of at least 141 journalists, with many others injured, according to CPJ data.