Gaza Airstrikes Kill Journalist, US Blocks Palestinian Visas

Israeli airstrikes on Gaza claimed another life on Sunday, killing Palestinian journalist Islam Abed in Gaza City. Abed, a correspondent for Al-Quds Today TV, was among the growing number of media workers who have lost their lives since the war began. According to Gaza’s Media Office, the total number of journalists killed has now reached 247.
The Media Office condemned what it called the “systematic” targeting of journalists and urged the international community to step in. Officials stressed that press workers are fulfilling their duty under dangerous conditions and must be afforded protection under international law.
78 Killed Across the Enclave
On the same day, Gaza endured intensified bombardment. At least 78 Palestinians were reported killed across the enclave since dawn, according to Al Jazeera. Among them were 32 people who had been searching for food when Israeli strikes hit their area.
Ismail al-Thawabta, director of Gaza’s Government Media Office, accused Israel of deploying “explosive robots” in residential districts. He said more than 80 such devices had been detonated in neighborhoods over the past three weeks. Al-Thawabta described the use of these machines as part of a “scorched-earth policy” designed to displace civilians.
He added that Israel’s military operation appears aimed at forcing nearly one million residents out of Gaza City, the enclave’s largest population center, into southern areas already overwhelmed by displacement.
Relentless Bombardment Sparks Fires
The Palestinian Civil Defence reported fresh fires in tent camps near al-Quds Hospital, triggered by Israeli shelling. In another strike targeting the Remal neighborhood, at least five people were killed and three others injured.
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Residents say the bombardment has destroyed homes, worsened shortages, and deepened their suffering. Despite the relentless attacks, many families continue to resist evacuation orders, unwilling to abandon their homes.
Israel has not publicly responded to the latest claims regarding its military tactics.
US Expands Visa Restrictions for Palestinians
Meanwhile, the United States has announced expanded visa restrictions that affect nearly all Palestinians, The New York Times reported. The suspension includes individuals holding Palestinian passports and covers travel for education, business, and even medical treatment.
The restrictions extend beyond those previously imposed under former President Donald Trump’s administration, which largely targeted residents of Gaza.
Two weeks earlier, the State Department had said it was pausing all visitor visas for people from Gaza to conduct what it called a “full and thorough” review. The move has since drawn criticism from pro-Palestine groups, who argue it unfairly punishes civilians during a humanitarian crisis.
Growing International Concern
The rising civilian death toll, destruction of infrastructure, and reports of targeted attacks on journalists continue to fuel calls for international accountability. Human rights organizations have warned that press freedom is under severe threat in Gaza, while humanitarian agencies highlight worsening shortages of food, medicine, and shelter.
Diplomatic efforts to negotiate a ceasefire remain stalled, with both Israel and Hamas showing no signs of de-escalation. The situation has left Gaza’s population facing an uncertain future as airstrikes intensify and avenues for relief narrow.
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