Israeli Strikes On Gaza Hospital Kill Journalists And Medics, Spark Global Outcry

Israel has come under widespread criticism after consecutive strikes on Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis, southern Gaza, killed at least 20 people on Monday, including five journalists, medical staff, and other civilians.

The Palestinian Ministry of Health reported that the attack involved a “double-tap” strike—two successive hits within minutes—on a hospital balcony where journalists had been working.

Hospital spokesman Dr. Mohammad Saqer confirmed the deaths of five journalists and four medical workers. The journalists were identified as Mohammad Salama (Al Jazeera), Hussam Al-Masri (Reuters contractor), Mariam Abu Dagga (Associated Press/Independent Arabic), Moath Abu Taha (freelancer), and Ahmed Abu Aziz (freelancer). Gaza’s Civil Defense said one of its members was also killed.

Footage from the site showed medics and reporters covering the aftermath of the first strike when a second blast struck, sparking chaos.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) acknowledged hitting the area. Spokesman Brig. Gen. Effie Defrin said civilians, including journalists, were harmed but stressed that the IDF does not deliberately target noncombatants, citing the “complex reality” of Hamas allegedly using hospitals for military operations.

An Israeli security source told local media that forces had spotted a Hamas surveillance camera on the hospital roof and authorized its destruction. Two tank shells were fired—one hitting the camera, the other striking first responders.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called the deaths a “tragic mishap” and pledged a full investigation, emphasizing Israel’s respect for journalists and medical personnel.

The Foreign Press Association described the incident as “one of the deadliest Israeli attacks on journalists working for international media since the start of the Gaza war,” calling it a turning point.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres condemned the killings, while the Committee to Protect Journalists accused Israel of potential “war crimes.” Doctors Without Borders (MSF) said the strikes amounted to a direct attack on the only partially functioning hospital in southern Gaza. The Palestinian Journalists Syndicate labeled the assault a “heinous massacre.”. camwhores a602azx

According to CPJ, 192 journalists have been killed since the war began, raising concerns about press freedom and adherence to international law.