An Israeli air strike in Gaza has killed an Al Jazeera cameraman, the broadcaster confirmed on Thursday. The journalist, identified as Ali al-Attar, was fatally wounded while covering the ongoing hostilities near Khan Younis. The incident marks the latest casualty among media workers in the conflict, drawing condemnation from press freedom groups and governments.
The UK Foreign Office issued a statement calling for restraint from all parties, urging de-escalation to prevent further civilian casualties. A spokesperson said London was “deeply concerned” by the rising death toll and reiterated the need for a ceasefire to allow humanitarian access.
The strike occurred amid intensified Israeli operations in southern Gaza, where ground troops and armour have advanced into areas previously designated as safe zones. Palestinian medical officials reported dozens of fatalities in the past 24 hours, with hospitals struggling to cope with the influx of wounded.
Al Jazeera denounced the killing as a “direct targeting” of its staff, accusing the Israeli military of deliberately striking journalists to silence reporting. The network has lost multiple personnel since the start of the war in October, including its Gaza bureau chief.
The Israeli military has not commented on the specific incident but has previously stated it does not target civilians or media personnel. It claims Hamas operatives embed themselves among journalists, a charge the militant group denies.
International media watchdogs have documented a sharp increase in journalist deaths in Gaza, with the Committee to Protect Journalists reporting at least 113 media workers killed since October. The UN has called for independent investigations into all such incidents.
The UK’s appeal for restraint reflects a broader diplomatic push by Western allies to contain the conflict’s escalation. However, no progress has been made on a ceasefire, as Israel insists on dismantling Hamas’s military capabilities.
The situation on the ground remains fluid, with aid agencies warning of a deepening humanitarian catastrophe. Over 1.9 million people have been displaced, and food, water, and medical supplies are critically low.