In a tragic event on Monday, an Israeli airstrike struck Nasser Hospital, the largest medical facility in southern Gaza, resulting in the deaths of 19 individuals, among them four journalists. Zaher al-Waheid, the head of the Gaza Health Ministry’s records department, confirmed that the casualties occurred on the fourth floor of the hospital when one missile hit the building, followed closely by a second missile just moments later as rescue teams arrived on the scene.
Nasser Hospital, located in Khan Younis, has endured relentless raids and bombardments over the past 22 months of conflict. The hospital faces dire shortages of supplies and staff, which have been exacerbated by the ongoing violence. The four journalists killed included Mariam Dagga, a 33-year-old visual journalist who had been reporting for The Associated Press throughout the war. Dagga was known for her coverage of the humanitarian crisis, particularly focusing on the efforts of doctors trying to save children from starvation.
In addition to Dagga, Al Jazeera and Reuters confirmed that their journalists and freelancers were also among the victims of this devastating strike, highlighting the increasing dangers faced by media professionals in conflict zones.
The ongoing Israel-Hamas war has become one of the deadliest conflicts for media workers, with the Committee to Protect Journalists reporting that a total of 192 journalists have been killed in Gaza since the conflict began. This alarming statistic underscores the risks associated with reporting in war-torn regions.
Neither the Israeli military nor the Prime Minister’s office has provided an immediate response to inquiries regarding the recent strike on Nasser Hospital. The lack of accountability raises concerns about the safety of civilian and media personnel in the area.
In addition to the fatalities at Nasser Hospital, hospital officials in northern Gaza reported additional deaths resulting from strikes and gunfire targeting aid routes. Three Palestinians, including a child, lost their lives in a strike on a neighborhood in Gaza City, where preparations for a broader Israeli ground invasion are underway, according to Shifa Hospital. Furthermore, Al-Awda Hospital reported that six aid-seekers attempting to reach a distribution point in central Gaza were killed by Israeli gunfire, with an additional 15 individuals wounded.
Israeli strikes on hospitals are not uncommon, with multiple facilities across the Gaza Strip having been struck or raided. Israel claims that such attacks target militants operating within medical facilities, although they have not provided substantial evidence to support these assertions. A previous strike on Nasser Hospital in June resulted in the deaths of three people and injuries to ten others. At that time, Israel stated that it targeted Hamas militants believed to be using the hospital as a command and control center. Another strike in March on the hospital's surgical unit followed a ceasefire breakdown, resulting in two fatalities.
The health ministry reported on Sunday that at least 62,686 Palestinians have died as a result of the ongoing conflict. While the ministry does not differentiate between fighters and civilians, it notes that approximately half of those killed are women and children. The United Nations and independent experts regard the health ministry's data as the most reliable source for war casualties. Although Israel disputes these figures, it has not provided alternative statistics.
This tragic incident at Nasser Hospital underscores the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the perilous conditions faced by both civilians and journalists in the region. The international community continues to call for protection of media workers and an end to violence against innocent civilians.
Reporting by Magdy from Cairo and Metz from Jerusalem, with contributions from Melanie Lidman in Jerusalem.
