Israeli airstrikes struck the Nasser Hospital in the southern Gaza Strip on Monday, killing at least 20 people, including five journalists. The hospital, a key medical facility, was hit twice: first an initial strike and then a second as rescue teams and medics arrived.
Among the dead were journalists from Reuters, the Associated Press, Al Jazeera, and other news organizations, highlighting the dangers media workers face in conflict zones. The strikes sparked international condemnation and calls for urgent investigations.
What happened during the strikes on Nasser Hospital in Gaza?
The chief of general staff has ordered an inquiry, and the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have acknowledged striking the area near Nasser Hospital. The initial strike targeted the upper floors near a live broadcast station, while the second hit journalists and rescue workers responding to the first.
Witnesses and hospital officials reported that the second strike killed additional journalists, medical personnel, and rescue teams. The live video feed operated by a Reuters cameraman was abruptly cut off at the time.
Did you know?
Over 240 Palestinian journalists have been killed in Gaza since the war began in 2023, making it one of the deadliest conflicts for media workers.
Who were the journalists and victims killed in the attack?
Among those killed was Hussam al-Masri, a Reuters contractor. Other journalists included Mariam Abu Dagga, a freelancer for the Associated Press; Mohammed Salama from Al Jazeera; Moaz Abu Taha, a freelancer with contributions to Reuters; and Ahmed Abu Aziz.
Photographer Hatem Khaled, another Reuters contractor, was wounded. The attack also claimed the lives of healthcare workers, further impacting the already strained medical services in Gaza.
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Israel’s response and international reactions to the hospital strike
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed deep regret over the incident, describing it as a tragic mishap and affirming the Israeli military's commitment to investigating the event. The IDF stated it does not target journalists and aims to minimize civilian harm while ensuring troop safety.
International bodies, including the United Nations, condemned the strike and called for an impartial investigation. The Palestinian Journalists Syndicate described the attacks as part of a broader effort to intimidate the media.
Impact on Gaza’s healthcare system and calls for investigations
Nasser Hospital is one of the few functioning hospitals in southern Gaza, and the strike severely affected its capacity. The World Health Organization and other humanitarian groups decried the attack for further crippling Gaza’s healthcare amidst ongoing conflict and famine concerns.
The UN Secretary-General called for a ceasefire and emphasized the protection of medical and media personnel under international law. The incident underscores the extreme risks faced by frontline workers in Gaza and renews calls for accountability and protection.
The crisis continues as investigations proceed and humanitarian concerns mount in the beleaguered region.
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