Israeli Strikes on Journalists Prompt War Crimes Claims

Al Jazeera journalist Hossam Shabat, aged 23, was killed in an Israeli airstrike targeting his vehicle in Beit Lahia, northern Gaza. Israel's military claimed Shabat was a sniper for Hamas, citing internal documents that allegedly connect him to Hamas's Beit Hanoun Battalion. Al Jazeera and other media organizations decried the attack, asserting that Shabat was targeted for his journalism and disputing the claims of his militant ties. This incident, alongside the killing of journalist Mohammed Mansour, marks a continued pattern of violence against journalists in Gaza, with at least 208 media workers reportedly killed since October 2023. The Israeli government has faced widespread condemnation for these actions, which many international organizations label as war crimes. Meanwhile, efforts for a ceasefire continue, with Egypt proposing negotiations involving hostage releases and humanitarian aid.