Mourners in Gaza gathered to pay their respects to five Al Jazeera staff members and a freelance reporter killed in an Israeli strike. The bodies of the journalists were carried through the bombed-out streets, with many wearing press flak jackets. Israel claimed one of the journalists, Anas al-Sharif, was affiliated with Hamas and labelled him a 'terrorist', publishing documents to support its claim. Al Jazeera condemned the attack as an attempt to silence reporting from Gaza, while press freedom groups raised concerns over the targeting of journalists.

The strike comes as Israel prepares to expand its military campaign in the Gaza Strip, a move that has drawn criticism both domestically and internationally. The United Nations and humanitarian agencies warn that further military action could worsen the humanitarian crisis, with famine already unfolding and tens of thousands killed. Despite mounting diplomatic pressure, Israeli leadership remains defiant, insisting on continuing its operations in Gaza.