Israeli Airstrike Kills Six in Gaza, Al Jazeera Cameraman Among Dead
At least six people were killed in an Israeli airstrike in Gaza on Thursday, according to Palestinian health officials. Among the dead was a cameraman working for the Al Jazeera news network.
The strike hit a residential area in central Gaza, witnesses said. The Al Jazeera cameraman, identified as 28-year-old Ahmed al-Shara, was filming near the scene when the attack occurred. He is the fourth journalist killed in the conflict this year.
The Israeli military said it was targeting a militant hideout in the area. It stated that the strike was precise and that it regrets any civilian casualties. The military did not immediately comment on the journalist's death.
Gaza's Interior Ministry condemned the attack, calling it a deliberate targeting of civilians and media workers. Al Jazeera also issued a statement demanding an independent investigation into the killing.
The incident comes amid heightened tensions in the region. Since the start of the year, over 150 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli operations, according to the United Nations. Israel says its operations are aimed at stopping rocket attacks and militant activities.
International organizations have repeatedly called for the protection of journalists in conflict zones. The Committee to Protect Journalists reported that 2023 has been one of the deadliest years for media personnel in Gaza.
