Israeli drone strike on vehicle kills 3 journalists in Gaza

Amman, January 21, 2026—The Committee to Protect Journalists calls for a transparent investigation after three journalists were killed on Wednesday in an Israeli drone strike on a vehicle in central Gaza during an ongoing ceasefire. 

According to news reports, the three were killed while on assignment for the Egyptian Committee, which oversees Egypt’s humanitarian work in the Palestinian territory, and in a jeep marked with the organization as they headed to cover tent encampments built by Egypt. 

They include freelance photographer Abed Shaat, a regular contributor to Agence France-Presse (AFP), Mohammad Qeshta, a spokesperson for the Egyptian Committee who reported news to his large Telegram following, and Anas Ghnaim, a freelance photographer and drone operator who worked for Smart Media, Palestinian health officials said. 

The Israel Defense Forces later confirmed targeting the vehicle, and said the occupants were suspected of operating a drone belonging to Palestinian militant group Hamas. 

“CPJ condemns Israel’s strike on a clearly marked civilian vehicle in central Gaza that killed freelance photojournalists Abed Shaat, Mohammad Qeshta, and Anas Ghnaim, amid an ongoing ceasefire,” said CPJ Regional Director Sara Qudah. “Israel, which possesses advanced technology capable of identifying its targets, has an obligation under international law to protect journalists.”

At least 207 other Palestinian journalists and media workers have been killed in Gaza – the vast majority by Israel – since the latest war in the territory began in 2023, including three since a fragile ceasefire came into effect in October.