An Israeli drone attack in northern Gaza has killed eight humanitarian workers from the UK-based Al-Khair Foundation, along with several journalists, as they were setting up tents for displaced Palestinians in Beit Lahia. The strike, which also left multiple others injured, has been condemned as a “flagrant violation of international law.”
According to Palestinian media reports, the attack targeted a relief team accompanied by journalists and photographers. Among the nine confirmed fatalities were three journalists, identified as Bilal Abu Matar, Mahmoud al-Sarraj, Bilal Aqila, and Mahmoud Asleem, according to the Palestinian Journalists Protection Center.
Eyewitnesses Describe Targeted Strike on Humanitarians
Qasim Rashid Ahmad, founder and chairman of Al-Khair Foundation, confirmed that the team was in Beit Lahia on Saturday to establish temporary shelters for displaced families.
“The cameramen were hit when they returned to their car. Moments later, an Israeli drone targeted our team members who had rushed to help them,” Ahmad told the BBC.
Israeli forces claimed that the strike was aimed at “two terrorists operating a drone that posed a threat,” later stating that more people were hit while “collecting drone equipment and entering a vehicle.” The Israeli military has provided no evidence for its claims, which Al-Khair Foundation strongly denies.
International Condemnation Over Attacks on Humanitarian Workers
The attack has sparked global outrage, with humanitarian groups and political figures demanding an independent investigation into the deaths of aid workers and journalists.
Hamas denounced the airstrike as a “horrific massacre” and a “dangerous escalation that reflects Israel’s disregard for international law.”
Independent British MP Shockat Adam vowed to raise the issue in parliament, stating:
“My deepest condolences go out to Al-Khair Foundation following the shocking killing of their volunteers and journalists in Gaza. I will be personally contacting the charity and writing to the minister to demand an independent and transparent investigation.”
Calls for UK Government to Respond
The Muslim Council of Britain (MCB) has called on the UK government to take decisive action, with Secretary General Wajid Akhter urging immediate accountability:
“The killing of humanitarian workers is a flagrant violation of international law and must be met with unequivocal global condemnation.”
The UK Foreign Office has not yet responded to inquiries about whether it will take action regarding the deaths of British-based humanitarian workers.
This attack is the latest in a series of deadly strikes against journalists and aid workers in Gaza, raising urgent concerns about the targeting of non-combatants in conflict zones.
