Israeli Strikes in Gaza Kill Journalist Muhammad Abdul Aziz al-Najjar and Multiple Civilians

A series of Israeli military strikes across the Gaza Strip has resulted in numerous casualties, including the death of Palestinian journalist Muhammad Abdul Aziz al-Najjar in a drone strike on al-Mawasi, north of Khan Younis. His death brings the reported tally of Palestinian journalists killed in the conflict to 263. Additional strikes across Gaza on Wednesday killed at least eight Palestinians and wounded more than fifteen others, highlighted by a drone attack on a passenger van in Gaza City's Tal al-Hawa neighborhood, an attack near al-Shifa Hospital, and strikes targeting displacement shelters.

// Background

Since the military offensive began in October 2023, more than 74,000 Palestinians have been killed and over 175,000 injured. With international journalists barred by Israel from entering Gaza, local Palestinian media personnel have shouldered the reporting on the ground. In November 2025, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant citing war crimes, alongside an ongoing genocide case at the International Court of Justice.

// Key Developments

• Journalist Muhammad Abdul Aziz al-Najjar of the Gaza-based Qur'an radio station was killed in an Israeli drone strike in al-Mawasi.
• The total death toll of Palestinian journalists since October 2023 has reached 263 according to local authorities.
• An Israeli drone attack on a passenger van in Tal al-Hawa killed six people and injured thirteen others.
• Multiple other strikes struck a displacement shelter in southern Gaza, an apartment near al-Shifa Hospital, and areas southeast of Deir el-Balah.
• Hamas and Gaza's Government Media Office condemned the operations, labeling them as systematic crimes and violations of a ceasefire agreement.