Fears that Briton is among five aid workers dead in Gaza including nationals from Ireland, Poland and Australia after ‘airstrike’

Five Western aid workers, including a Briton, are feared dead in Gaza after reports of an airstrike.

Medical officials in Gaza say an apparent Israeli airstrike killed volunteers in Deir al-Balah in central Gaza after they were delivering food in the north.

The dead included people from Poland, Australia and a British citizen, a spokesman for the Hamas-led government said. One Palestinian was also killed.

The volunteers are believed to have been working with the US-based international aid group World Central Kitchen and in a vehicle belonging to the non-profit organization at the time of the attack.

Harrowing images shared online appeared to show the bodies of the deceased.

There was no immediate comment from the Israeli military or World Central Kitchen.

This is a development story. Check back for updates.

Palestinians gather around the burned and destroyed Al-Shifa Hospital in Deir Al-Balah, Gaza on April 1, 2024. Many buildings, including the hospital, have been severely damaged by air raids