Israeli airstrike in northern Gaza’s Beit Lahiya kills 9 including journalists

CAIRO – 15 March 2025: An Israeli airstrike on northern Gaza’s Beit Lahiya town on Saturday killed at least nine Palestinians, including local journalists, according to the enclave’s health ministry.

The Israeli military claimed it targeted two individuals identified as "terrorists" operating a drone that posed a threat to its forces.

Following this, additional strikes were conducted on other people allegedly involved in collecting the drone equipment.

The Israeli army did not provide details on how it determined the individuals were "terrorists" or the specific nature of the threat posed by the drone.

Witnesses and fellow journalists reported that those in the vehicle were on a mission for the Al-Khair Foundation, a charity based in Beit Lahiya, and were accompanied by journalists at the time of the strike, as reported by Reuters.

Hamas condemned the attack as a “horrific massacre” and “dangerous escalation that reflects [Israel’s] disregard for international law.”

The movement stated that this escalation indicates an Israeli intention to overturn the ceasefire agreement and squander any opportunity to complete its implementation, including possible captive-prisoner exchange.