Rabat — In its latest assault, Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) killed nine Palestinians, including journalists and volunteers affiliated with the UK-registered Al-Khair Foundation. According to the foundation, eight of its team members were deliberately struck while documenting their relief efforts during Ramadan in Beit Lahia, Northern Gaza.
As expected, the IOF issued its usual justification, claiming it had targeted “two terrorists operating a drone that posed a threat to Israeli troops.” The statement further alleged that additional “terrorists” later retrieved the drone equipment and entered a vehicle, prompting the IOF to strike.
Head of Al-Khair Foundation, Qasim Rashid Ahmad, denied the unfounded terror allegations against his late team members, and explained that they had set up tents in the area to create promotional content for their work.
Ahmad said that the cameraman was hit when coming back to the car, which prompted the team to come to his rescue when they were also struck by an Israeli drone that had been following them.
The Palestinian Journalists Syndicate identified the fallen media workers: video editor Bilal Abu Matar, cameraman Mahmoud al-Sarraj, as well as Bilal Aqila and Mahmoud Asleem.
The syndicate also called out Israel for systematically targeting Palestinian journalists — a protected group under international law — saying that this further adds to its long list of war crimes in Gaza.
In May 2024, Human Rights Watch reported that Israel has carried out airstrikes against at least eight convoys and working areas for relief workers since October 2023, despite them providing their coordinates to Israeli authorities for protection.
Since October 7, at least 178 journalists have been killed by Israel, making 2024 the deadliest year for media professionals since the start of recording these atrocities.
