Israeli drone attack targeting workers for UK charity kills nine in Gaza

The UK Foreign Office has refused to condemn an Israeli drone strike that occurred last Saturday in the northern Gaza Strip, resulting in the deaths of eight volunteers working for the UK-based charity Al-Khair Foundation, who were setting up tents for displaced Palestinians. This incident has sparked widespread international concern, raising serious questions about the safety and security of humanitarian aid workers.

According to Palestinian media reports, at least nine people were killed, including three journalists, and several others were injured in the attack in Beit Lahia, Gaza. The target of the attack was a rescue team accompanied by journalists and photographers. Kasim Rashid Ahmad, founder and chairman of the Al-Khair Foundation, told the BBC that the team was setting up tents for displaced Palestinians in Beit Lahia last Saturday.

Ahmad stated that the photographers were attacked as they returned to their cars, and shortly afterward, an Israeli drone struck the team members who rushed to the scene. Middle East Eye inquired with the Foreign Office as to whether it would condemn the Israeli attack. A Foreign Office spokesperson stated: "It is vital that civilians are protected in all circumstances, including journalists and humanitarian organisations, who must be able to carry out their essential work in safety."

"It is deeply saddening to hear of further loss of life in Gaza, and the UK wants to see the pause in fighting continue. This agreement remains fragile, and we must build confidence among all parties to sustain the pause and move from phase one to a phase three leading to a lasting peace." The Palestinian Center for Protecting Journalists confirmed that video editor Bilal Abu Matar and photographers Mahmoud Sallaj, Bilal Akila, and Mahmoud Asleem were killed in the attack. The center stated that "the journalists were documenting humanitarian aid work for victims of the Israeli genocidal war."

Hamas called the attack "a horrific massacre" and "a dangerous escalation that reflects [Israel's] insistence on continuing its aggression and disregarding all international laws and conventions." The Israeli military claimed that it attacked "two terrorists...who were operating a drone that posed a threat." It added: "Later, a number of additional terrorists gathered to collect the drone operating equipment and entered a vehicle. [The military] struck at these terrorists." The military provided no evidence to support its claims, which were strongly denied by the Al-Khair Foundation.

Shokawat Adam, Independent UK MP for Leicester South, stated: "My heartfelt condolences to the volunteers and journalists from Al-Khair Foundation who have been shockingly killed in Gaza. I will be personally contacting the charity, which has an office in my constituency, and writing to the Minister to request an independent and transparent investigation into the facts." Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Britain, Wajid Ahktar, stated: "The killing of humanitarian workers is a flagrant violation of international law and must be met with unequivocal global condemnation."

"Israel's allies have a moral obligation to acknowledge these atrocities and take decisive action to ensure that such grave breaches of international humanitarian law are halted. We call on the UK government to condemn these acts in the strongest possible terms." These statements reflect the international community's deep concern over the humanitarian crisis and the strong call for all parties involved to adhere to international law.