Foreign office does not condemn Israeli strike that killed charity workers

The UK Foreign Office has refused to condemn an Israeli drone attack that occurred on March 15th, which killed eight volunteers from the UK charity Al-Khair Foundation.

The Middle East Eye reported that the strike resulted in the deaths of at least nine people, including three journalists, and left several others wounded.

Palestinian media reported that the attack in Beit Lahia, Gaza, targeted a relief team that was accompanied by journalists and photographers. Al-Khair Foundation’s founder and chairman, Qasim Rashid Ahmad, told the BBC that the team had been in Beit Lahia to set up tents for displaced Palestinians. According to him, the cameramen were hit when they returned to their vehicle, a drone attack then followed that targeted the team members who had hurried to the scene.

When asked about the attack, the UK Foreign Office did not issue a condemnation. A spokesperson said that civilians must be protected in all scenarios, including journalists and humanitarian organisations. The spokesperson emphasised that journalists and humanitarian organisations should be able to carry out their work “in safety.”

An image from Beit Lahia showed mourners gathering outside the Indonesian Hospital.

This attack occurred despite the Israeli security cabinet approving a ceasefire and hostage release deal on January 17th. The ceasefire, mediated by Qatar, Egypt, and the US, outlined a six-week preliminary truce and the gradual withdrawal of Israeli forces.

The Middle East Eye