Anadolu journalists lose several family members in Israeli bombings on Gaza

By Mustafa M. M. Haboush

GAZA, Palestine (AA) - Several family members of two journalists working for Anadolu were killed in separate Israeli airstrikes on their homes, according to information shared by their colleagues.

Loved ones of photojournalist Montaser al-Sawwaf and correspondent Ramzi Abu al-Qumsan were killed in Israeli attacks on Gaza City and the northern Gaza Strip.

“Israeli warplanes bombed the home of the Al-Sawwaf’s family in the Al-Tuffah neighborhood, east of Gaza City, at dawn on Saturday," his relative told Anadolu.

He added that the bombing resulted in the death of about 30 members of the family, including his father, political analyst Mustafa Al-Sawwaf, his mother, two of his brothers, and their children.

He said Al-Sawwaf sustained moderate injuries in the face, but does not suffer from a life-threatening condition.

The Palestinian Culture Ministry mourned the killing of writer, journalist and political analyst Mustafa Al-Sawwaf. In a statement it said Al-Sawwaf was "considered one of the most known Palestinian media figures and analysts," who had "written hundreds of articles and critiques on Palestinian political affairs."

Meanwhile, the home of al-Qumsan in the Jabalia refugee camp in northern Gaza was bombed by an Israeli aircraft on Thursday.

The bombing led to the killing of a large number of members of the Abu al-Qumsan family, but the exact casualty count is not known yet. The attack on the family was also confirmed by Palestine TV.

Israel has killed more than 12,300 Palestinians in its air and ground attacks on the Gaza Strip since the Oct. 7 surprise offensive by Hamas. The official Israeli death toll, meanwhile, stands at about 1,200.

Thousands of buildings, including hospitals, mosques, and churches, have either been damaged or destroyed in Israel’s relentless strikes on the besieged enclave.

An Israeli blockade has also cut Gaza off from fuel, electricity, and water supplies, and reduced aid deliveries to a trickle.

Israel has rejected growing calls for a cease-fire until the release of hostages held by Hamas.