After UK-based Al Khair Foundation said eight of its “dedicated humanitarian aid workers” were “killed in violation of the agreed ceasefire in a drone airstrike” in Beit Lahiya in northern Gaza on Saturday, the UK has stopped short of condemning the incident, Al Jazeera says.

It quoted media outlet Middle East Eye (MEE) as reporting that a spokesperson from the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office declined to condemn the Israeli drone attack.

MEE asked the Foreign Office whether it would condemn the Israeli strike. Instead, the office said it was “deeply saddened” by the attack, according to MEE journalist Imran Mullah.

“It is vital that — in all scenarios — civilians are protected, including journalists and humanitarian organisations, who must be enabled to deliver their essential work in safety,” the spokesperson told MEE.

“It is deeply saddening to hear of further loss of life in Gaza, and the UK wants to see the ceasefire continue,” the spokesperson added.