Israeli air strikes in the Gaza Strip have killed six people, among them a cameraman working for the Al Jazeera news network, Palestinian medical officials reported. The strikes, which hit targets in Gaza City and southern areas of the enclave, have drawn international concern and a call for restraint from the British government.
The deceased journalist, identified as Mohamed al-Salhi, was killed when a missile struck a residential building in Gaza City. Al Jazeera confirmed his death, describing him as a veteran cameraman who had covered multiple conflicts. Two other Al Jazeera employees were wounded in the same attack.
Israel said its strikes targeted “terrorist infrastructure” and accused militants of using civilian areas as cover. The Israeli Defence Forces said they were reviewing reports of civilian casualties but did not comment specifically on the journalist's death.
Britain’s Foreign Office issued a statement calling on all parties to “immediately de-escalate” and expressed deep concern over the rising toll of journalists. “We urge Israel to exercise restraint and ensure the protection of civilians and media personnel,” the statement said.
The latest violence follows weeks of heightened tensions in the region. Palestinian militant groups have fired rockets into southern Israel, prompting retaliatory Israeli raids. The death toll in Gaza since the start of the latest escalation now stands at 34, according to the Gaza health ministry.
The Al Jazeera cameraman’s death brings the number of journalists killed in the conflict to three. The Committee to Protect Journalists has called for an independent investigation into the strikes.
Diplomatic efforts to broker a ceasefire have yet to yield results. Egypt and the United Nations are engaged in mediation, but no breakthrough has been reported. The British government said it was working with partners to push for a halt in hostilities.
The strikes have also drawn criticism from human rights groups, who say Israel’s use of heavy ordnance in densely populated areas may amount to a violation of international law. The Israeli government maintains that its strikes are precise and aimed solely at military targets.
As the crisis continues, the focus remains on preventing further civilian casualties and restoring calm. The call from London for de-escalation reflects growing international alarm over the trajectory of the conflict.