Gaza, 17 March 2025 – Israeli forces have continued their attacks on Palestinian civilians in Gaza, with strikes two days ago deliberately targeting and killing humanitarian workers and journalists. These attacks are part of a systematic effort to obstruct relief operations and silence independent reporting. Despite being clearly identified by their press vests, helmets, and marked vehicles, journalists continue to face deliberate assaults aimed at intimidating and preventing them from documenting the reality on the ground.

According to field reports, at approximately 01:00 pm on Saturday, 15 March 2025, Israeli warplanes bombed a group of humanitarian workers from Al-Khair Foundation and journalists covering the inauguration of a new camp to shelter displaced people in the Al-Atatra area of Beit Lahiya, in the Northern Gaza District. The airstrike killed multiple people instantly. Moments later, Israeli forces launched a second strike on a Skoda vehicle near Al-Attar Junction in northern Gaza. The vehicle was transporting individuals injured in the initial attack, and all the passengers were killed. In total, Israeli strikes in northern Gaza killed nine Palestinians that day, including members of Al-Khair Foundation and accompanying journalists.

Mohammad Abu Namous, a correspondent for Alghad TV, told Al Mezan:

"We received information about an incident north of Beit Lahiya at around 01:30 pm on Saturday, 15 March 2025. The Alghad team and I went to the area to report on the attack. On the way, we witnessed a direct strike on a Skoda vehicle near Al-Attar Junction. Everyone inside the vehicle was killed. We later learned that most victims were Al-Khair Foundation employees, except for journalist Mahmoud Slim and his colleague, both freelance photojournalists."

For the 16th consecutive day, Israel has imposed a total closure on Gaza’s crossings, blocking the entry of humanitarian aid and cutting off electricity to essential services, including the central desalination plant in Deir al-Balah. As key infrastructure collapses, nearly two million Palestinians face starvation and worsening humanitarian conditions.

Despite the ceasefire, Israeli forces continue to attack Palestinian civilians, mainly in Rafah and eastern Al-Nuseirat, and other parts of Gaza. According to the Palestinian Ministry of Health, over 155 Palestinians have been killed and more than 1,100 injured since the ceasefire agreement on 19 January 2025. In the last two weeks alone, 45 people have been killed since Israel closed all crossings into Gaza and halted the entry of aid.

Al Mezan strongly condemns Israel’s ongoing genocide against Palestinian civilians in Gaza. We urge the international community to take immediate action to end these atrocities, lift the closure and blockade, and ensure the protection of over two million Palestinians at risk of starvation and death. Furthermore, we call on the International Criminal Court (ICC) to expedite its investigation into Israel’s crimes and hold those responsible accountable. We urge State Parties to the Rome Statute and the international community to fulfill their legal and moral obligations by ensuring accountability and protection of Palestinian civilians.