UPDATE - Al Jazeera decries Israel's 'barbaric' attack on Gaza office

UPDATES WITH STATEMENT FROM AL JAZEERA

By Gozde Bayar and Ali Abo Rezeg

ANKARA (AA) – Qatari media group Al Jazeera on Saturday condemned Israel's airstrike on a building housing its office in Gaza City and called on the international community to protect journalists.

Israel’s "barbaric" act targeted the lives of journalists and aims to prevent them from revealing the truth, the group said.

"Al Jazeera promises its audience to continue its coverage and to uncover the truth on what is happening in Gaza, the Palestinian Territories and in Israel, regardless of the suppression attempts."

It also vowed "to pursue every available route to hold the Israeli government responsible for its actions."

Meanwhile, Al Jazeera Gaza office head Vail ed-Dehduh told reporters that "it is very clear that Israel is uncomfortable with the role played by Al Jazeera and other media outlets in Gaza.

"However, in the end, these broadcasters are doing their job impartially and properly."

Earlier in the day, Israeli warplanes fired multiple missiles at the al-Jalaa tower that housed offices of various media groups, including Al Jazeera and the American Associated Press.

The 13-story building, one of Gaza's oldest multi-story buildings, had a total of 60 units, including offices of media companies, legal firms, and doctors.

Israel has pounded the Gaza Strip in airstrikes since May 10, killing at least 139 people, including 39 children and 22 women, and injuring 950 more people.

At least four multi-story buildings have also been destroyed in the air raids on the besieged Palestinian territory.