Airstrikes in Gaza Claim Lives
New strikes by Israeli war planes against targets within Gaza City have killed at least four people, according to Gaza doctors. The attacks were conducted late at night against multiple locations, destroying residential areas that have already been devastated by weeks of warfare.
Furthermore, the Ministry of Health stated that the rescuers rushed to extract the wounded from the rubble, while the sounds of explosions reverberated throughout the city. This latest strike happened amid the ongoing violence between Israel and Palestinian militants.
Courtesy Of Al Jazeera English ( Flickr CC0)Journalist Among the Victims
Among those killed was a journalist working for Al Jazeera, raising concerns regarding the safety of reporters working in war zones. The media house formally confirmed the death, stating that he was an ideal and professional journalist who was covering the incident.
In a press statement released by Al Jazeera, “Al Jazeera Media Network strongly condemns the killing of one of its employees who was speaking the truth amid highly dangerous circumstances.” The media company appealed to the authorities to conduct an independent investigation into the matter.
The recent fatality has again raised the issue of reporters working in Gaza to the fore.
Civilians Pay the Price
There are accounts of medical personnel and locals who experienced utter chaos and devastation following the bombings. Some civilians were seen fleeing their homes that were bombed to smithereens, while others desperately searched for their missing loved ones.
The spokesperson for the Gaza Ministry of Health declared, “There are civilians among those killed who have nothing to do with the war. It is tragic to see how this war has impacted the lives of the people.” It was difficult for hospitals, which are always understaffed, to handle the injured civilians.
It must be pointed out that humanitarian groups have issued warnings before that should the violence persist, the situation in Gaza will worsen.
Israeli Response and Military Justification
As per the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), the reason behind the bombings was what it referred to as militant infrastructure operated by militants within Gaza.
A spokesman for the IDF stated, “It’s done to make sure there are no civilian casualties in the process of the attacks on terror-linked locations.” Significantly, when this news item came out, none from the IDF would speak to the press concerning the death of the journalist.
Israel has always maintained for quite some time that militant organizations generally carry out their activities in densely populated areas.
By William Hernandez
Journalist for Vlixx Magazine, reporting on news from around the world, ensuring timely, accurate, and detailed information to keep the public informed and educated.
Sources:
Reuters: Israeli strikes in Gaza kill four, including Al Jazeera journalist, medics say
Timesofisrael: Al Jazeera condemns killing of its journalist whom IDF accused of being Hamas commander
Featured and Inset Image Courtesy of Al Jazeera English Flickr Page – Creative Commons License
Inset Image Courtesy of Muhammad KarimFlickr Page- Creative Commons License
