A UK-registered humanitarian organization, Al Khair Foundation, has reported the deaths of eight charity workers following Israeli airstrikes in northern Gaza.
The victims included volunteers and journalists who were documenting the foundation’s relief activities in the region.
The strikes, which took place on Saturday, have been described by Hamas as a “blatant violation” of the ongoing ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas.
Charity’s Account of the Incident
According to Qasim Rashid Ahmad, founder and chairman of Al Khair Foundation, the team was in the area to establish tents for displaced persons and to document the process for the foundation’s promotional purposes.
Ahmad stated that two cameramen had returned to their vehicle when an Israeli strike hit them.
Other team members who rushed to assist were then targeted by an Israeli drone, which had tracked them to their second vehicle. Several other individuals sustained injuries and were transported to the Indonesian Hospital in northern Gaza for emergency medical attention.
Israeli Military’s Response
In a statement, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) asserted that their airstrike targeted “two terrorists who were identified operating a drone that posed a threat to Israeli troops.”
The military further added that it subsequently struck “additional terrorists” who had arrived at the scene.
However, Al Khair Foundation has categorically denied any connection between its personnel and militant activities.
The organization insists that its workers were engaged solely in humanitarian efforts, including setting up shelter for displaced families and conducting media documentation of their relief operations.
Reaction from Hamas
Hamas, the governing authority in Gaza, condemned the airstrikes, with spokesperson Hazem Qassem stating that Israel had “committed a horrific massacre in the northern Gaza Strip by targeting a group of journalists and humanitarian workers.”
The Hamas-run health ministry in Gaza corroborated the charity’s report that several injured individuals were taken to the hospital for treatment.
Ceasefire Agreement Under Threat
The airstrike occurs amid a fragile ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, which has been in place since January.
However, diplomatic negotiations regarding a lasting truce have reached a deadlock, fueling concerns that hostilities may soon resume.
Tensions have remained high, with accusations from both sides regarding ceasefire violations.
Background on the Conflict
The current war began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas launched an unprecedented attack on Israel, killing approximately 1,200 people and taking 251 individuals hostage.
In response, Israel launched a large-scale military offensive in Gaza. According to the Hamas-controlled health ministry, more than 48,300 Palestinians have been killed since the war’s onset.
The ongoing hostilities have resulted in a dire humanitarian crisis, with extensive displacement, food shortages, and medical emergencies affecting millions in the Gaza Strip.
International Reactions and Humanitarian Concerns
The latest incident has sparked renewed concerns about the safety of humanitarian workers operating in Gaza.
The United Nations and international humanitarian organizations have repeatedly called for increased protections for aid workers and journalists in conflict zones.
Al Khair Foundation has urged an independent investigation into the attack and called on the international community to hold Israel accountable for the targeting of non-combatants.
As the situation in Gaza remains precarious, the fate of the ceasefire hangs in the balance. With diplomatic efforts stalling and continued allegations of ceasefire breaches, concerns persist over an imminent escalation of violence.
Humanitarian groups continue to call for restraint from both parties, emphasizing the need for the protection of civilian lives and those providing aid in the region.
The tragic deaths of Al Khair Foundation’s charity workers highlight the increasing dangers faced by humanitarian personnel in conflict zones.
As both Israel and Hamas exchange accusations over ceasefire violations, the future of the truce remains uncertain.
The international community faces mounting pressure to intervene and ensure accountability for attacks on non-combatants while working towards a peaceful resolution to the ongoing crisis.
