Eight killed in Israeli airstrike on Gaza journalist's home

At least eight people were killed and several wounded early Wednesday when an Israeli airstrike hit the home of Palestinian journalist Osama al-Arbid in Gaza’s as-Saftawi neighborhood. Al-Arbid survived the attack, with footage showing rescuers pulling him from the rubble.

Medical sources in Gaza confirmed at least 15 Palestinian deaths in Israeli strikes overnight, as hostilities continue following the collapse of a January ceasefire on March 18. The conflict has now killed nearly 54,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza health authorities, with aid agencies reporting widespread malnutrition.

Hamas reiterated its offer to release all remaining hostages taken during its October 7, 2023, attack—which Israel says killed 1,200 people—in exchange for a permanent ceasefire and full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza.

Read more: Hamas agrees to US proposal for Gaza ceasefire deal

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu rejected the proposal, insisting military operations will continue until Hamas is dismantled. “We will only agree to a temporary pause for hostage returns,” he stated.

The war began after Hamas’ cross-border assault last October, which saw 251 people abducted. Israel’s subsequent air-and-ground campaign has devastated Gaza, displacing over 80% of its 2.3 million residents.

UN agencies warn famine is imminent, with 50,000 children requiring acute malnutrition treatment. Meanwhile, ceasefire talks mediated by Egypt and Qatar remain stalled, with both sides blaming each other for the impasse.

The strike on al-Arbid’s home underscores the peril for civilians and media workers in Gaza, where over 140 journalists have been killed since October, per press freedom groups.