From Associated Press - An Israeli airstrike targeted and destroyed a 12-story building, which housed offices for Associated Press and Al-Jazeera in addition to other offices and residential apartments. There has been no immediate explanation for why it was targeted, but the Israeli military ordered people to evacuate the building approximately one hour before the attack; thus, no injuries have been reported in the incident.
The attack came just hours after Israel raided a refugee camp killing at least 10 Palestinians.
The most recent outbursts of violence Started in Jerusalem and spread across the region over the past week. So far, at least 139 people have been killed in Gaza, and eight people have been killed in Israel.
Shortly after the attack, an Al-Jazeera anchorwoman said, "This channel will not be silenced. Al-Jazeera will not be silenced. We guarantee you that right now."
Associated Press President and CEO Gary Pruitt released the following statement:
"We are shocked and horrified that the Israeli military would target and destroy the building housing AP's bureau and other news organizations in Gaza. They have long known the location of our bureau and knew journalists were there. We received a warning that the building would be hit."
"We are seeking information from the Israeli government and are engaged with the U.S. State Department to try to learn more."
"This is an incredibly disturbing development. We narrowly avoided a terrible loss of life. A dozen AP journalists and freelancers were inside the building and thankfully we were able to evacuate them in time."
"The world will know less about what is happening in Gaza because of what happened today."
Image from New York Times