A recent Israeli airstrike on the Nasser hospital in Khan Younis, Gaza, resulted in the deaths of 20 individuals, including five journalists. These fatalities were reported by media outlets for which the journalists worked, as well as the World Health Organization and the Hamas-controlled health ministry. The first strike occurred around 10:00 AM local time, followed by a second strike approximately ten minutes later, targeting rescue workers and journalists who had arrived to assist after the initial attack.
Victims included members from well-known organizations such as the Associated Press, Reuters, and Al Jazeera. Among the deceased was Husam al-Masri, a cameraman for Reuters, who was killed while livestreaming the scene. Mariam Dagga, a freelancer for the Associated Press, was also killed; she had been reporting from the hospital and was recognized as one of the few female journalists covering the war. Other victims included Mohammad Salama and Ahmed Abu Aziz, both recognized for their prior work in the region.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu labeled the incident a “tragic mishap” and announced an investigation into the attack. Nonetheless, the nature of a “double-tap” strike, where a second attack targets those responding to the first, has raised significant concerns about intent. The Israel Defense Forces have acknowledged the strike but have not clarified why the second attack occurred.
The incident has drawn international condemnation, with organizations such as the United Nations and media freedom groups calling for a thorough and impartial investigation into the killings. The Committee to Protect Journalists noted the fatalities add to a growing list of journalist deaths in the ongoing conflict, highlighting the risks faced by those reporting in war zones. The Foreign Press Association has urged global leaders to address the situation more aggressively.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c80d2zrdj7vo?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss