A deadly Israeli drone strike on a charity Centre facility in Khan Younis, Southern Gaza on the evening of Wednesday 15, Jan 2024, claimed the lives of six Palestinians including journalist Ahmad Al-Shayah and Ali Youssef Al-Maghrabi, the spokesperson for the Prisoners’ Media Office. Medical sources confirmed that 10 other civilians were also injured in the attack, with several in critical condition.
The facility, located in a part of Khan Younis previously designated by Israeli authorities as a “safe zone” was struck without prior notice or warning, according to eyewitnesses. AI-Maghrabi, a former prisoner released during the 2011 Gilad Shalit exchange, was among four individuals killed instantly in the blast.
“Safe zone was targeted”
The attack has drawn a widespread condemnation, as it targeted an area that many believed to be a sanctuary amid the ongoing violence. Witnesses reported that the drone strike reduced the charity’s facility to rubble, leaving survivors struggling to pull victims from the debris.
This latest assault highlights the increasing dangers faced by journalist and aid workers in Gaza. Ahmad AI-Shayah, one of the victims, was well-known for his courageous reporting from conflict zones, documenting the harsh realities of life under siege. His death has been described as a great loss to the community and to independent journalism in the region.
AI-Maghrabi’s history as a former prisoner adds another layer to the story. Released in the 2011 prisoner exchange that saw 1,027 Palestinians freed in exchange for Israeli Gilad Shalit, he had since become a very vocal advocate for prisoner rights and plight of Palestinians in Israel custody.
Additionally, according to the Israeli media, the strikes come amidst the ongoing ceasefire discussion between Hamas and Israel, which has been stalled due to the new conditions being imposed by the Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Since the beginning of October of 2023, the Government of Gaza has claimed that more than 16,000 children and 19000 women were killed during the conflict. The US has since repeatedly issued calls for a ceasefire which have remained ignored.
Escalating war crimes allegations
The International Criminal Court has recently charged Benjamin Netanyahu of being a prime war criminal along with the former Defense Minister, Yoav Gallant. A warrant for their immediate arrest has also been issued. With the current situation escalating, Israel has also been charged with genocide by the International Court of Justice.
As the tension continues to rise, this tragedy has highlighted the unfortunate devastating toll of war on civilians and charity organizations as well who are tirelessly working to uncover and share their stories with the world.