Israeli air strikes on Gaza have killed six people, among them an Al Jazeera cameraman, drawing a call for restraint from the Foreign Office. The strikes, which targeted multiple sites across the enclave, have intensified international concern over the escalating conflict.
Al Jazeera confirmed the death of its cameraman, identified as Yasser al-Masri, who was killed while covering the aftermath of an earlier strike in Khan Younis. He is the third journalist to die in Gaza since the latest round of hostilities began. The network condemned the attack, calling it a deliberate act against media workers.
The Foreign Office issued a statement expressing deep concern over civilian casualties and urging all parties to adhere to international humanitarian law. "We call for an immediate de-escalation and restraint on all sides," a spokesperson said. "The killing of a journalist is particularly alarming and underscores the need for the protection of civilians."
Israeli officials said the strikes were in response to rocket fire from Gaza into southern Israel. They claimed the targets were Hamas military positions. However, local residents reported that one of the strikes hit a residential apartment building, killing three members of a single family. The Israeli Defence Forces said they were reviewing the incident.
The escalation marks the deadliest in weeks, with Gaza's health ministry reporting over 30 fatalities since the weekend. International mediators, including Egypt and the United Nations, have been attempting to broker a ceasefire but have so far been unsuccessful.
The Foreign Office has also warned British nationals in the region to remain vigilant and avoid areas of military activity. The UK government is reportedly considering whether to call for an emergency session of the UN Security Council.
Al Jazeera has called for an independent investigation into the killing of al-Masri, demanding that Israel be held accountable. The Committee to Protect Journalists has also condemned the strike, noting that at least 18 journalists have been killed in Gaza since the conflict began.