On Monday, a devastating airstrike by Israeli forces on Nasser Hospital in southern Gaza resulted in the loss of four journalists, including Mariam Dagga, a 33-year-old freelancer who contributed to The Associated Press (AP). Health officials reported that a total of 19 individuals were killed in this tragic incident, underscoring the ongoing humanitarian crisis in the region.
Mariam Dagga was a dedicated visual journalist who had been providing critical coverage during the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict. She freelanced not only for the AP but also for various other media outlets. The AP expressed its shock and sadness over Dagga's death, alongside the tragic loss of her fellow journalists. Dagga was known for her poignant reporting, frequently based at Nasser Hospital, where she documented the desperate efforts of medical staff to save children from starvation.
The Israeli military confirmed that its troops conducted a strike in the vicinity of Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis. In a statement, the military expressed regret over any harm caused to uninvolved individuals, emphasizing that it does not intentionally target journalists. An investigation into the incident has been promised, although the rising number of casualties highlights the dangerous environment for media workers in the region.
The ongoing Israel-Hamas war has become one of the bloodiest conflicts for media professionals, with at least 192 journalists reportedly killed in Gaza over the past 22 months, as per the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ). In stark contrast, only 18 journalists have lost their lives in the ongoing war in Ukraine. This alarming statistic reflects the heightened risks faced by reporters in conflict zones, particularly in Gaza.
Dagga, who had a 12-year-old son evacuated from Gaza earlier in the conflict, often faced the same dire conditions as the individuals she covered. Many journalists in Gaza struggle to secure basic necessities such as food for themselves and their families while attempting to provide vital eyewitness accounts of the situation. Al Jazeera confirmed that its journalist Mohammed Salam was also a casualty of the Nasser Hospital strike, while Reuters reported the death of its contractor cameraman Hussam al-Masri and injuries to photographer Hatem Khaled.
Thibaut Bruttin, director general of Reporters Without Borders, highlighted the severe decline in press freedom and journalist safety during this conflict. He pointed out that journalists have been targeted in both indiscriminate strikes and specific attacks acknowledged by Israel's military. Bruttin remarked, “They are doing everything they can to silence independent voices that are trying to report on Gaza,” emphasizing the challenges faced by reporters in the region.
Israel has largely barred international media from covering the war, allowing only rare guided tours. As a result, news organizations have had to rely heavily on Palestinian journalists and local residents to convey the realities on the ground. This restriction raises questions about the credibility and safety of reporting, as Israel frequently scrutinizes the affiliations and biases of Palestinian journalists while denying entry to foreign correspondents.
In one of her last social media posts, Dagga shared a poignant selfie, capturing her resilience amidst the chaos. Her dedication to reporting on the humanitarian crisis in Gaza serves as a reminder of the vital role journalists play in bringing attention to the plight of those affected by conflict.
