The death toll from Israeli air strikes in Gaza rose to six on Tuesday, among them Al Jazeera cameraman Ahmed al-Louh. The UK Foreign Office has called for restraint, urging both sides to avoid civilian casualties.
Al-Louh, 34, was killed while covering the aftermath of an earlier strike in Gaza City. Three other journalists were injured in the same attack. The Al Jazeera network condemned the strike, calling it a deliberate targeting of media workers. The Israeli military said it was investigating the incident.
Strikes also hit a residential building in Khan Younis, killing five people including two children. The Palestinian Health Ministry said at least 15 others were wounded. Witnesses described scenes of chaos as rescue workers pulled bodies from the rubble.
The UK Foreign Office issued a statement saying: “We are deeply concerned by reports of civilian casualties and the killing of a journalist in Gaza. We call on Israel to exercise restraint and comply with international humanitarian law. All parties must take every precaution to avoid harm to civilians and media personnel.”
The violence comes amid escalating tensions in the region. Israel has conducted dozens of air strikes in recent days, targeting what it describes as militant infrastructure. Palestinian officials say the strikes have killed dozens of civilians, including women and children.
Journalist safety groups have called for an independent investigation into al-Louh’s death. The Committee to Protect Journalists said: “Journalists are civilians and must never be targeted. We urge a full and transparent inquiry.”
The Foreign Office’s call for restraint has been met with scepticism by some human rights organisations, who argue that the UK has continued to supply arms to Israel. Campaigners say the government must do more to hold Israel accountable for civilian deaths.
The strikes have also drawn condemnation from the United Nations. The UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, Tor Wennesland, said he was “appalled” by the killing of a journalist and urged all parties to de-escalate.
As the sun set over Gaza, the sound of drones hummed overhead. Families gathered in makeshift shelters, their homes reduced to rubble. The price of this conflict is being paid in blood. The international community watches, but for the people of Gaza, the bombs do not wait for diplomacy.
For the families of the dead, there are only questions. Why them? Why now? And when will it end?
