Israel destroyed an 11-storey tower block in Gaza that houses offices of US-based Associated Press (AP) and other news media, 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 and debris and shrapnel flew dozens of yards away.
The Israeli military said its fighter jets struck a multi-storey building that contained military assets belonging to the intelligence offices of the Hamas terror organization. It said it had provided advance warning to civilians in the building, allowing them to get out.
AP president and chief executive Gary Pruitt called the strike an incredibly disturbing development. He said a dozen AP journalists and freelancers had been in the building and had been evacuated in time.
The US government said it had told Israel to ensure the safety of journalists.
Al Jazeera Media Network acting director-general Dr Mostefa Souag called the strike barbaric and said Israel should be held accountable.
The Israeli military has said during nearly a week of intense conflict that its strikes on buildings in Gaza are aimed at hitting targets used by Hamas, the Islamist group that runs the enclave.
Hamas militants have fired more than 2000 rockets at Israel during the latest violence.
Palestinian medics say at least 140 people, including 39 children, have been killed in Gaza. Israel has reported 10 dead, including two children.
[Source: Radio NZ]
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