Israeli air strikes destroyed Al Jazeera office in Gaza | Gaza News
Israeli airstrikes completely destroyed the building, which was once served by international media offices such as Al Jazeera’s in the Gaza Strip.
It is not clear whether there were casualties in the attack. Al Jazeera’s live video showed that the 11-story Al Jalaa building also contained many residences and other offices, which fell to the ground after being bombarded with dust and debris flying into the air.
The building also houses the Associated Press.
Safwat Al Kahlout of Al Jazeera reported from Gaza that residents of the building received a call from the Israeli army warning of an impending strike for about an hour.
UPDATE 3-Israel destroys Gaza tower housing AP and Al Jazeera offices Reuters 1 hr ago
(Adds statement from Washington-based National Press Club, Biden call)
GAZA, May 15 (Reuters) - Israel destroyed a 12-story tower block in Gaza housing the offices of the U.S.-based Associated Press and other news media on Saturday, saying the building was also used by the Islamist militant group Hamas.
The al-Jalaa building in Gaza City, which also houses the offices of Qatar-based broadcaster Al Jazeera as well as other offices and apartments, had been evacuated after the owner received advanced warning of the strike.
A Palestinian journalist was wounded in the strike, Palestinian media reported, and debris and shrapnel flew dozens of yards away.
Mostefa Souag, acting director-general of Al Jazeera Media Network, called the strike a “war crime” and a “clear act” to stop journalists from reporting on the conflict. Kuwait state television also had office space in the now-collapsed Gaza City building. “The targeting of news organisations is completely unacceptable, even during an armed conflict. It represents a gross violation of human rights and internationally agreed norms,” Barbara Trionfi, the executive director of the International Press Institute, said.
Mahmud Hams/AP
A ball of fire erupts from a building housing various international media, including The Associated Press, after an Israeli air strike on Saturday.