In a harrowing incident in Khan Younis, Gaza Strip, Israeli forces conducted two consecutive airstrikes on the Nasser Hospital, resulting in the deaths of 22 individuals, including five journalists. This devastating strike has drawn widespread condemnation from around the globe and prompted a rare expression of regret from the Israeli government. The fatality count was confirmed by the morgue at Nasser Hospital, as reported by NPR.
The journalists who lost their lives were affiliated with several international media organizations, including The Associated Press, Reuters, and Al Jazeera. The tragic incident occurred on the fourth-floor open stairwell of the hospital, where the journalists were present alongside first responders and medical staff at the time of the attack. The first strike occurred around 10 a.m., as Hussam al-Masri, a cameraman for Reuters, was broadcasting live footage of nearby Israeli military positions, including tanks, amidst the destruction in Khan Younis.
Shortly after the initial strike, a second missile fired from a tank hit the same location, while rescue workers hurried to aid al-Masri. Eyewitness accounts and footage revealed that other journalists were capturing the aftermath of the first explosion when the second strike occurred. An alarming live broadcast captured the moment, with a reporter expressing disbelief and grief over the situation, stating, "Oh God, the rescuers are gone. They killed the people!"
Among those who perished in the attack were medical staff, a medical resident, and a first responder, highlighting the grave risks faced by those working in conflict zones. This incident marks one of the deadliest days for journalists in the Palestinian territory, where Israeli operations have claimed the lives of 245 media workers over the past 22 months of the ongoing conflict, according to reports from Palestinian journalists.
By early afternoon, fellow journalists and numerous individuals gathered to mourn their slain colleagues. Many were prepared for burial with their body armor marked "PRESS" placed atop their bodies, wrapped in white sheets. Reuters photojournalist Hatem Omar, who was also injured in the attack, described the incident as an assault on the freedom of the press, stating, "This is a criminal enemy that wants to silence us."
Among the deceased was Mariam Dagga, a contributor for The Associated Press. Her recent work highlighted the plight of severely malnourished Palestinian children, including a tragic story about a 2-year-old child who succumbed to starvation. Just before her death, Dagga shared a poignant video on Instagram, reflecting the exhaustion and desperation faced by journalists and civilians in Gaza.
The loss of al-Masri and another journalist, Moaz Abu Taha, has deeply affected their respective news organizations. Reuters expressed its devastation over the deaths and is actively seeking further information and medical assistance for Hatem Khaled, another injured contractor. Al Jazeera lamented the loss of Mohammad Salama, marking him as the 10th journalist from their team killed during the conflict, calling the attack an "atrocity."
In response to the tragedy, both Reuters and The Associated Press sent a letter to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and military leaders, demanding a thorough investigation into the strikes. They emphasized their outrage at the targeting of independent journalists, stressing that the hospital is a location protected under international law. The letter raised concerns about whether Israel is intentionally targeting media personnel to suppress information.
The Committee to Protect Journalists condemned the attack, highlighting the ongoing threats faced by journalists in Gaza. CPJ Regional Director Sara Qudah stated, "Israel's broadcasted killing of journalists continues while the world watches and fails to act firmly." The Foreign Press Association in Israel also called for an end to the targeting of journalists and urged for immediate accountability.
Hours after the incident, the Israeli military acknowledged the strikes but did not specify any particular target. Army spokesperson Brig. Gen. Effie Defrin stated that the IDF does not intentionally target civilians and expressed regret for any harm caused to uninvolved individuals. The Prime Minister's office issued a statement expressing deep regret over the tragic mishap, reaffirming the value of journalists, medical staff, and all civilians. However, the statement did not provide further details regarding accountability for the tragic loss of life.
This tragic event underscores the dire situation faced by journalists and medical personnel in conflict zones, raising pressing questions about the protection of civilians under international law and the need for accountability in military operations.
