On August 26, 2023, a devastating incident occurred when Israeli forces struck the Nasser hospital in southern Gaza, resulting in the tragic deaths of two journalists from Reuters and the Associated Press. A military spokesperson confirmed that these journalists were not the intended targets of the attack, prompting an internal inquiry into the decision-making process that led to the strike.
The attack, which took place on Monday, claimed the lives of at least 20 individuals, including journalists from prominent news organizations such as Al Jazeera and others. Among the deceased were Hussam al-Masri, a cameraman for Reuters, and several other journalists who were covering the ongoing conflict in Gaza. The Israeli military issued a statement indicating that the journalists were not among the six alleged Palestinian militant targets identified in their post-strike report.
During the strike, Reuters was actively broadcasting live from the hospital, utilizing their camera equipment to provide real-time updates on the situation in Gaza. Tragically, the live video feed operated by Hussam al-Masri abruptly shut down just as the first strike occurred, marking a heartbreaking moment in the ongoing coverage of the Gaza conflict.
Lt. Colonel Nadav Shoshani, the military spokesperson, reiterated that the journalists were not targeted, highlighting the military's commitment to directing its operations solely toward military targets. However, the Chief of the General Staff acknowledged that there were "several gaps" in the decision-making process that warranted further examination. These gaps included the authorization process prior to the strike, the type of ammunition used, and the timing of the authorization.
In a subsequent statement, Hamas disputed the Israeli account regarding the casualties at the hospital, asserting that none of the deceased were militants. They claimed that one of the individuals identified by Israel as a militant was killed in a separate location, while the circumstances surrounding the deaths of the other alleged militants remained unclear.
In light of these tragic events, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed deep regret over what he described as a "tragic mishap." A joint letter issued by Reuters and the Associated Press emphasized the critical role that journalists play in documenting events, especially as foreign journalists have faced a near two-year ban from entering Gaza. The letter called for a swift and transparent investigation to provide answers and accountability for these deaths.
The attack not only claimed the life of Hussam al-Masri but also resulted in the deaths of several other notable journalists, including Mariam Abu Dagga, Mohammed Salama, Moaz Abu Taha, and Ahmed Abu Aziz. Additionally, Hatem Khaled, a photographer for Reuters, was wounded in the incident. These individuals were dedicated to delivering essential news coverage from the ground, often providing crucial insights into the ongoing conflict.
As the situation unfolds, the focus remains on ensuring that such incidents do not go unanswered, with a collective call for urgent and transparent accountability for the actions taken by military forces in conflict zones.
