The Al-Khair Foundation has said eight of its team were killed despite a ceasefire being in place.
A UK-based aid charity has said eight of its workers have been killed by an Israeli airstrike in Gaza.
In a statement, the Al-Khair Foundation, which has an office in Glasgow, said the team had been “killed in violation of the agreed ceasefire in a drone airstrike”.
The charity said the individuals killed were carrying out humanitarian work, describing their deaths as a “profound tragedy”.
The attack happened in Beit Lahia on Saturday, where the charity workers were joined by journalists and photographers whilst setting up tents for displaced Palestinians.
Several more individuals were wounded by the drone strike.
The Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) claimed on social media that they had "struck a terrorist cell", claiming those involved were "operating a drone intended to carry out terrorist attacks against IDF troops operating in Gaza" - attempting to link those involved with attacks on October 7 2023, and the Islamic Jihad Terrorist Organization.
The IDF said they later hit a number of "additional terrorists" collected the drone operating equipment and entered a vehicle.
But the Al-Khair Foundation refuted the accusation, offering condolences to those killed by Israel.
The foundation said: “Our thoughts are with the families, friends, and colleagues of the victims during this difficult time.
“It is with great sadness and regret that we announce the demise in Gaza of eight of our team’s dedicated humanitarian aid workers. They were killed in violation of the agreed ceasefire in a drone airstrike.
“The exact circumstances are still being established but we refute utterly any suggestion that those who were killed were militant or in any way connected with Hamas.
“It is with deep sadness and regret that we report the tragic loss of eight dedicated humanitarian aid workers in Gaza. The individuals, who were part of a relief mission, lost their lives in a drone airstrike that occurred despite an agreed ceasefire being in place.
“The circumstances surrounding the attack are still being investigated. However, we categorically refute any claims that those who were killed had any links to militant activities or connections with Hamas. These individuals were solely engaged in humanitarian work, striving to provide essential aid to those affected by the ongoing crisis.
“The loss of these aid workers is a profound tragedy, highlighting the perilous conditions under which humanitarian missions are conducted in conflict zones. Their dedication and commitment to alleviating suffering in one of the most challenging environments cannot be overstated.
“We call for a thorough and transparent investigation into this incident and urge all parties involved in the conflict to uphold international humanitarian law, ensuring the safety of aid workers who risk their lives to serve vulnerable communities.
“The international community must act swiftly to prevent further loss of innocent lives and to protect those who selflessly work to bring relief to those in need.”
