An Israeli air strike in Gaza has killed six people, among them a cameraman working for Al Jazeera, according to Palestinian authorities. The British government has called for restraint and a full investigation.
The strike, which hit a residential building in Gaza City late on Wednesday, also wounded several other individuals. The Al Jazeera cameraman, identified as Ali al-Maghribi, was reportedly filming in the area at the time of the attack. The network confirmed his death and condemned what it described as a targeted killing.
In a statement, the Israel Defense Forces said the strike was aimed at a Hamas command and control centre embedded within a civilian structure. They added that the building was used to coordinate attacks against Israeli forces. The IDF said it regretted any civilian casualties but held Hamas responsible for operating from populated areas.
Palestinian officials have disputed this account, stating that the building contained no military targets. The Gaza Health Ministry reported that among the dead were two children and a woman. The ministry’s figures could not be independently verified.
The British Foreign Office expressed deep concern over the incident. A spokesperson said: "We urge all parties to show restraint and avoid further escalation. We call on Israel to conduct a transparent and credible investigation into this tragic event." The United Nations also called for a probe, with the UN special coordinator for the Middle East peace process, Tor Wennesland, noting that journalists must be protected under international law.
Al Jazeera has accused Israeli forces of deliberately targeting their staff. In a statement, the network said: "This is a blatant attack on press freedom and an attempt to silence reporting from Gaza." Israel has previously accused Al Jazeera of bias and has designated it as a security threat, though the network denies these allegations.
The strike marks the latest in a series of escalations in the region. Since October 2023, when Hamas launched a major attack on Israel, Israeli military operations in Gaza have resulted in over 35,000 Palestinian deaths, according to local health authorities. Israel says its operations are necessary to dismantle Hamas and secure the release of hostages held in Gaza.
The incident has drawn international condemnation. The European Union called for an immediate inquiry, while the United States said it was closely monitoring the situation. Egypt and Qatar, which have mediated previous ceasefires, urged both sides to de-escalate.
In Gaza, funerals for the victims were held on Thursday, with mourners carrying the body of the cameraman draped in a Palestinian flag. Colleagues described him as a dedicated journalist who documented the realities of life under siege.
Analysts suggest that the killing could further complicate efforts to negotiate a ceasefire. The international community has been pushing for a pause in hostilities to allow for humanitarian aid deliveries and the release of captives. However, the latest violence risks hardening positions on both sides.
As of now, there has been no official comment from Hamas regarding the strike. The group has continued to launch rockets into southern Israel, though no casualties were reported from those attacks on Thursday.
The situation remains fluid. British officials are expected to raise the matter at the UN Security Council, urging for measures to protect civilians and journalists in conflict zones.
