- An Israeli airstrike on January 20, 2026, in Khan Younis, southern Gaza, killed three journalists: Mohamed Abu Jazar, Issam al-Nafta, and Mohamed al-Samiri from local media outlets like Al-Aqsa Voice Radio.
- The victims were in a marked press vehicle reporting from a residential area when struck at around 2:45 PM local time, with rescue teams confirming fatalities amid damaged structures.
- The Egyptian Relief Committee condemned the attack as a "heinous crime against humanity," demanding UN investigation and pledging aid to victims' families.
- Agence France-Presse (AFP) labelled it an "unacceptable assault on journalism," citing Geneva Conventions protections and noting over 100 media worker deaths in Gaza since October 2023.
- The Israel Defense Forces stated the strike targeted a nearby Hamas command centre based on intelligence, expressing regret for civilian casualties without prior knowledge of media presence.
Gaza (Washington Insider Megazines) January 22, 2026 – An Israeli airstrike in Gaza killed three journalists on January 20, 2026, prompting strong condemnation from the Egyptian Relief Committee and Agence France-Presse (AFP). The victims, affiliated with local media outlets, died while reporting from a residential area in southern Gaza. Both organisations described the attack as a deliberate targeting of media professionals covering the ongoing conflict.
The incident occurred amid continued military operations in the region, with the journalists' deaths marking a significant escalation in risks to press freedom. Eyewitnesses reported the strike hit a building used by reporters, and international media watchdogs have called for an immediate investigation. This event has heightened global attention on the protection of journalists in conflict zones.
Incident Details and Victim Identities
Credit: Screengrab/Al Jazeera
The airstrike took place in the Khan Younis area of southern Gaza, where three journalists lost their lives. Identified as Mohamed Abu Jazar, Issam al-Nafta, and Mohamed al-Samiri, the victims worked for Al-Aqsa Voice Radio and other local outlets. According to reports from credible sources, the journalists were inside a marked press vehicle when the strike occurred at approximately 2:45 PM local time.
Rescue teams recovered the bodies from the wreckage, confirming the fatalities shortly after. The Egyptian Relief Committee issued a statement labelling the attack "a heinous crime against humanity" and demanded accountability from Israeli forces. AFP echoed this sentiment, stating the deaths represented "an unacceptable assault on journalism."
Statements from Egyptian Relief Committee
The Egyptian Relief Committee, a humanitarian organisation focused on Gaza aid, released an official statement on January 21, 2026. Spokesman Ahmed Abdel-Rahman said,
"The targeting of journalists is a clear violation of international law and undermines efforts to report the truth."
The committee highlighted its ongoing relief work in Gaza and called for Egyptian government intervention to protect media workers.
Committee officials noted that the journalists had been providing coverage of civilian conditions under bombardment. They urged the United Nations to investigate the strike's circumstances, citing previous incidents involving media personnel. The organisation pledged support to the victims' families, including financial aid and legal assistance for justice.
AFP's Official Response and Context
Agence France-Presse, a global news wire service, condemned the attack in a statement from its Paris headquarters. AFP Director-General Fabrice Fries remarked,
"Journalists are civilians protected under the Geneva Conventions, and their killing is a grave breach."
The agency emphasised its commitment to field reporting despite risks, referencing past losses in conflict zones.
AFP clarified that none of its staff were among the victims but expressed solidarity with Palestinian media. The statement referenced the International Federation of Journalists' data, noting over 100 media workers killed in Gaza since October 2023. AFP called on all parties to ensure safe access for reporters.
Background of Journalists Killed
Mohamed Abu Jazar, 32, hosted a programme on Al-Aqsa Voice Radio, focusing on humanitarian issues. Issam al-Nafta, 28, specialised in video reporting for local networks, while Mohamed al-Samiri, 41, contributed photography to several outlets. Colleagues described them as dedicated professionals who continued work despite evacuation orders.
Family members of the victims spoke to reporters, recounting their final communications. Abu Jazar's brother stated he was en route to document aid distributions when struck. The journalists wore protective gear marked "PRESS," visible in footage circulating online from the scene.
Israeli Military Position on the Strike
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) issued a statement on January 21, 2026, acknowledging the airstrike but denying intent to target journalists. An IDF spokesperson said,
"The operation targeted a Hamas command centre in the vicinity, based on precise intelligence."
The military claimed no prior knowledge of media presence and expressed regret for civilian casualties.
IDF officials released coordinates showing the site as a known militant location. They invited international observers to review evidence, including drone footage of the area. This response aligns with previous IDF positions on similar incidents, stressing operational necessities in urban combat.
International Media Reactions
Reporters Without Borders (RSF) labelled the deaths "a dark day for press freedom," demanding an independent probe. The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) documented the incident as the latest in a series, with 132 media workers killed in Gaza since hostilities intensified. BBC News and Reuters reported the event, citing eyewitness accounts and official statements.
Al Jazeera, based in Qatar, aired exclusive footage from the strike site, showing damaged vehicles and rescue efforts. The New York Times verified videos through its visual investigations unit, confirming the press markings. European outlets like The Guardian emphasised the humanitarian crisis context.
Historical Context of Journalist Casualties
Since October 7, 2023, Gaza has seen unprecedented journalist deaths, per CPJ records. Palestinian media outlets, operating under restrictions, have borne the brunt. RSF reported 107 journalists killed by January 2026, mostly attributed to Israeli strikes. Hamas authorities claimed higher figures, though independent verification remains challenging.
Previous incidents include the October 2024 killing of two World Central Kitchen workers misidentified amid fog of war. International courts, including the ICC, have probed allegations of systematic targeting, but no convictions have resulted. Journalists face dual threats from airstrikes and ground risks.
Humanitarian Impact in Khan Younis
Khan Younis, a southern Gaza hub, hosts displaced civilians fleeing northern fighting. UNRWA reported over 1.9 million internally displaced as of January 2026. The strike damaged nearby residential structures, injuring 12 others, per Gaza Health Ministry figures. Aid convoys struggle with access, complicating medical responses.
Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) treated survivors, noting shrapnel wounds consistent with airstrikes. The World Health Organisation warned of collapsing healthcare amid fuel shortages. Journalists' role in documenting these conditions underscores the incident's broader implications for information flow.
Calls for Investigation and Protection
The UN Secretary-General's office urged a thorough inquiry on January 21. Human Rights Watch demanded preservation of the site for forensic analysis. The Arab League scheduled an emergency session to address media safety in conflicts.
Egypt, via its foreign ministry, summoned the Israeli ambassador to protest the killings. President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi reiterated support for Gaza press corps. AFP and the Egyptian Relief Committee joined 50 organisations in a joint letter to the Security Council.
Ongoing Conflict Developments
Credit: Getty Images
Israeli operations in Gaza continue into January 2026, with daily strikes reported. Hamas rocket fire persists intermittently, per IDF logs. Ceasefire talks in Doha stalled last week over hostage releases. Casualty figures stand at over 45,000 Palestinian deaths, per Gaza authorities, and 1,200 Israeli fatalities from October 2023.
US envoy Brett McGurk met mediators amid pressure from President Trump. Qatar hosted indirect negotiations, but gaps remain wide. Journalists remain vital for external awareness, despite communication blackouts.