UK Government Refuses to Condemn Israeli Strike That Killed British Charity Workers in Gaza

Watan-The British Foreign Office has refrained from condemning the Israeli drone strike that killed aid workers from a UK-based charity, despite mounting criticism.

UK Charity Workers Killed in Israeli Strike

The charity, Al-Khair Foundation, stated that its workers were setting up tents for displaced Palestinians in northern Gaza when they were targeted. The Israeli drone attack on Saturday resulted in the deaths of eight volunteers working for the organization.

Palestinian media reported that at least nine people were killed, including three journalists, and others were injured in the attack, which took place in Beit Lahia, Gaza. The targeted group consisted of aid workers, journalists, and photographers.

Qasim Rashid Ahmed, founder and chairman of Al-Khair Foundation, told BBC that the team was in Beit Lahia to provide shelter for displaced families.

“The photographers were assaulted when they returned to their vehicle. Moments later, an Israeli drone struck, causing more casualties among the relief workers and journalists who had rushed to the scene,” he said.

UK Foreign Office’s Response

When asked whether it would condemn the Israeli airstrike, a UK Foreign Office spokesperson responded:

“It is essential, in all cases, to protect civilians, including journalists and humanitarian organizations, who must be allowed to carry out their critical work safely.”

The spokesperson added:
“It is deeply saddening to hear of more loss of life in Gaza. The UK wants the ceasefire to continue. The agreement remains fragile, and we must build trust among all parties to sustain the ceasefire and progress from phase one to phase three, ultimately achieving lasting peace.”

Killed Journalists Identified

The Palestinian Center for the Protection of Journalists identified the slain journalists as:

• Bilal Abu Matar (video editor)
• Mahmoud Al-Sarraj (photographer)
• Bilal Aqila (photographer)
• Mahmoud Aslim (photographer)

The center stated:
“The journalists were documenting humanitarian relief efforts for victims of Israel’s genocidal war.”

Hamas Condemns Attack as a “Massacre”

The Hamas movement, which governs Gaza, strongly condemned the attack, calling it a “horrifying massacre” and a “dangerous escalation that reflects Israel’s determination to continue its aggression and disregard for all international laws and treaties.”

Israel’s Justification & Lack of Evidence

The Israeli military claimed it targeted “two terrorists operating a drone that posed a threat.”

A military statement added:
“Subsequently, additional terrorists took the drone equipment and entered a vehicle, which was then targeted by the army.”

However, Israel did not provide any evidence to support its claim. Al-Khair Foundation strongly denied the accusations, and British MP Shaukat Adam, an independent representative for South Leicester, rejected the Israeli justification.

“I extend my deepest condolences to Al-Khair Foundation following the horrific killing of its volunteers and journalists in Gaza. I will personally reach out to the charity, which has offices in my constituency, and will write to the minister demanding an independent and transparent investigation into the facts,” Adam stated.

Calls for UK Government to Condemn the Attack

Wajid Akhtar, Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Britain, called the attack “a blatant violation of international law” and urged a strong global response.

“Killing humanitarian workers is a gross violation of international law and must be met with unequivocal condemnation,” Akhtar stated.

“Israel’s allies have a moral obligation to acknowledge these atrocities and take decisive action to stop these severe violations of international humanitarian law. We call on the British government to condemn these actions in the strongest possible terms.”