An Israeli airstrike in Beit Lahia, northern Gaza, claimed nine lives on Saturday, including several journalists and media workers documenting a food distribution project. The attack, the deadliest since a fragile ceasefire took effect in January, underscores the persistent tensions in the region despite efforts to halt hostilities.

The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) stated the strike targeted a drone they deemed a threat to their troops, alleging it was operated by “terrorists.” However, local reports indicate the victims included civilians and media personnel, among them a well-known drone photographer, raising questions about the IDF’s targeting protocols in densely populated areas. Witnesses described a chaotic scene, with one survivor pulling bodies from the wreckage using only bottled water to douse flames, as emergency services struggled to respond.

Palestinian officials and Hamas condemned the strike as a “horrific massacre,” accusing Israel of violating the ceasefire and targeting unarmed humanitarian workers. The Palestinian Journalists’ Protection Center noted three of the deceased were part of a media team covering relief efforts, adding to the war’s toll on journalists—over 206 killed since October 2023.

The incident follows a U.S. proposal to extend the truce, tied to hostage releases and increased aid access. Yet, with Gaza’s health system crippled and ceasefire breaches reported almost daily, the strike highlights the fragile balance between military objectives and civilian safety in this embattled enclave.