Deir el-Balah, December 26 (RHC)-- Gaza health authorities say new Israeli strikes have killed more than several people, including five journalists, and wounded several more in the besieged Palestinian territory.

In one of the latest attacks on Thursday morning, five journalists were killed after Israeli warplanes struck a vehicle carrying a press crew in front of Al-Awda Hospital in central Gaza.

The journalists worked for the Al-Quds Al-Youm television channel.

It took 20 minutes for their bodies to be removed from the van.   They were completely burned.

These continuous attacks are aimed at suppressing any criticism of Israeli attacks across the Gaza Strip, including the many violations against journalists and civilians here.

It also highlights how the vests that journalists wear, which are marked “Press”, do not protect them. The satellite van was also marked as “Press” and was parked outside a hospital.

The vehicle was marked as a media van and was used by journalists to report from inside the hospital and Nuseirat camp, Palestinian media and local reporters said.

Earlier, at least five people were killed and 30 others were injured after Israeli warplanes bombed a Palestinian home in Gaza City’s al-Zaytoun neighborhood, the medics reported.  They warned the death toll could rise as many remained trapped under the rubble.

Another strike on a residential apartment in the Sheikh Radwan neighborhood of Gaza City killed ten citizens.  Israeli forces also continued extensive bombing operations around Kamal Adwan Hospital in northern Gaza.

To the south of Gaza, Israel’s bombings of homes and other residential buildings in Rafah caused several fatalities and dozens of injuries.

The Israeli genocide in Gaza has killed more than 45,300 Palestinians so far, leaving over 107,800 others injured.  According to a fresh UN report, more than 14,500 children have been killed so far in Gaza with thousands more believed to be still trapped or buried under the rubble.

On Wednesday, Pope Francis appealed for a ceasefire in Gaza during his traditional Christmas address, denouncing the "extremely grave" humanitarian situation in the blockaded territory.

Pope Francis made the call during his traditional annual message to the world's Catholics.  His new remarks came after he openly condemned the ongoing Israeli airstrikes in the war-stricken Gaza.

Last week, he described Israel's actions as acts of cruelty and criticized the continued bombardment of Palestinians, including children.  

Israeli spy device network inside Gaza hospital found 

A senior resistance security official revealed the discovery of a spy device network inside a hospital in Gaza which was planted by Israeli forces to monitor Palestinian movements for targeted strikes.

The official told Al-Haris Platform that the resistance’s security team acted on a tip from a local resident.   A covert security unit inspected the site.  Initial checks confirmed the “block” was modified to conceal surveillance equipment.

The device was linked to other spy units around the hospital and equipped with hidden cameras disguised in various forms.  The security official praised the citizen who reported the device.

“Their alertness saved lives, protected the home front, and strengthened security awareness,” the official said.

He called on Palestinians to remain vigilant and report any suspicious objects or activities.  “Every contribution fortifies our resilience and thwarts the enemy’s plans,” he added.