A 12-storey Gaza tower block housing the offices of Qatar-based broadcaster Al Jazeera and the U.S.-based Associated Press (AP) collapsed on Saturday after being hit by Israeli missiles, a Reuters witness reported.

A Reuters reporter said the building’s owner had been warned in advance of an impending Israeli missile strike, and the building had been evacuated.

The Israeli military did not immediately provide comment on the incident.

The building also contained other offices and a number of apartments.

AP CEO commented on the incident, saying “we are shocked and frightened by the Israeli army’s targeting and destruction of buildings containing AP stations and other media outlets in Gaza.”

The White House also shed light on the importance of keeping journalists safe, saying “we have communicated directly to the Israelis that ensuring the safety and security of journalists and independent media is a paramount responsibility.”