AN ISRAELI airstrike targeting Gaza’s Jabalia refugee camp claimed the lives of Al Jazeera‘s correspondent Moemen al-Sharifi’s father, mother, and several siblings, on Wednesday.

Al-Sharifi of Al Jazeera said that an explosive barrel struck their home, creating a deep hole.

“We are prevented from saying goodbye to our loved ones and are deprived of giving them a proper burial,” he told Al Jazeera.

The devastating strike resulted in the loss of at least 21 members of Al-Sharifi’s family, including nieces and nephews.

In a statement, the Al Jazeera Media Network denounced the Israeli attack and said it “will pursue all legal steps to holding accountable all those responsible for this crime”.

“The horrific event unfolded today [Wedne­sday] at Jabalia Camp, where Moamen’s family sought refuge, leading to the killing of his father, mother, three siblings and his children,” said the network.

“Al Jazeera calls on the international community and press freedom organisations to work to put an end to these massacres immediately and ensure prompt justice for the families of the martyrs and the innocent victims,” it added.

Earlier on Tuesday, Ibrahim Dahman, a CNN producer who reported from Gaza, learned of the tragic death of at least nine relatives in a strike on his aunt’s house after escaping to Egypt.

According to CNN, a video on social media depicted the aftermath of the blast that claimed Dahman’s relatives. In the footage, smoke could be seen rising from the building, which was reduced to concrete slabs and twisted metal while debris littered the street.

Published in Dawn, December 7th, 2023