On January 21, 2026, freelance photojournalist Abed Shaat, who was a contributor to Agence France-Presse (AFP) and CBS News, was murdered alongside two other journalists in an Israeli drone strike on a vehicle in central Gaza during an ongoing ceasefire.
The two other journalist killed were 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.
Shaat was previously injured in Gaza on May 13, 2025 and April 7, 2025.
According to Palestinian Press Agency, the photographers were traveling to cover a refugee camp managed by the Egyptian Committee, which oversees Egypt’s humanitarian projects in Gaza.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed that they targeted a vehicle in Gaza, stating that they suspected the individuals inside of operating a drone to gather intelligence on Israeli soldiers.