Israeli fire killed at least 11 Palestinians across Gaza on Wednesday, sharply shaking confidence in a fragile ceasefire.
The deaths included children and journalists, according to local medical officials.
The incidents were reported across several locations, making the violence feel sudden and deeply unsettling.
Palestinian health officials said three journalists were killed in an Israeli airstrike in central Gaza.
They were travelling in a car while on assignment to film a displaced persons camp. The strike immediately sparked outrage among local media groups and humanitarian observers.
In the same area, Israeli tank shelling reportedly killed three more people.
A 10-year-old boy was among the victims, medics confirmed. Moreover, two others, including a 13-year-old boy, were killed in separate shooting incidents in Khan Younis, southern Gaza.
Additional attacks were reported across the territory during the day.
Therefore, the Gaza health ministry said the total death toll rose to at least 11.
These developments came as many residents believed the ceasefire had created a safer space, even if temporarily.
Responding to the journalists’ deaths, Israel’s military issued a statement. It said troops identified “several suspects who operated a drone affiliated with Hamas” in central Gaza.
The army said a targeted strike was carried out due to a perceived threat to its forces.
However, the military did not immediately comment on the other reported killings.
Meanwhile, the Palestinian Journalists Syndicate rejected claims that the journalists posed any threat.
It said they were on a humanitarian and media mission.
The union stated the journalists were documenting civilian suffering in displacement camps.
It added that their work was sponsored by the Egyptian Committee overseeing Egypt’s relief operations.
An Egyptian security source partly confirmed this, saying the vehicle belonged to the committee.
Furthermore, press freedom groups raised alarm over the growing toll on media workers.
The Committee to Protect Journalists said it has documented 206 journalists and media workers killed in Gaza since the war began.
It also noted that Israel has not released findings from any formal investigation.
The Palestinian Journalists Syndicate, however, placed the figure at more than 260 journalists killed. Israel maintains it targets only combatants and military sites. Yet, such statements continue to face strong scrutiny.
These deaths further strain the already fragile Gaza ceasefire breakdown narrative.
Israel and Hamas have accused each other of repeated violations since the October truce began. Disputes also remain over the next phase of a 20-point peace plan proposed by U.S. President Donald Trump.
Under the first phase, major fighting had paused and some Israeli forces withdrew. Hostages were exchanged for Palestinian detainees.
However, future steps, including Hamas disarmament and Gaza reconstruction, remain uncertain.
Since the ceasefire took effect, more than 460 Palestinians and three Israeli soldiers have reportedly been killed. Gaza health authorities say at least 71,000 Palestinians have died since the war began.
