Journalist killed in Gaza market attack

A Palestinian journalist was killed in an Israeli air strike on a busy market in Shejaiya, near Gaza City on Wednesday, according to the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ).

Rami Rayan, a photographer for the local news agency the Palestine Network for Press and Media was at the market to cover Palestinian citizens shopping for basic necessities during a four-hour humanitarian truce observed by Israel.

CPJ reported that graphic photos of Rayan showed him wearing a helmet and a vest marked "PRESS” when he was brought to the hospital.

"Israel is showing little evidence to back its claim that it tries to avoid civilian casualties, including those of journalists, in its assault on Gaza," said CPJ Middle East and North Africa Program Coordinator Sherif Mansour.

Another Palestinian journalist from Gaza, Hazem Balousha, also tweeted the news of Rayan’s death, with his photo.

At least 17 people were killed in the attack on the market as a truce was observed in other parts of the crowded coastal strip.

The truce, however, did not apply in areas where ground troops were "currently operating", according to a statement by Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) said on Wednesday.