Five reporters among 20 killed in Israeli airstrike on Gaza hospital

(MENAFN) At least 20 people, including five journalists, were killed on Monday in a “double tap” Israeli airstrike on Nasser Hospital, the largest medical facility in southern Gaza, according to local health authorities.

The attack occurred in two waves, with the second strike hitting first responders and reporters at the scene. A livestream from Jordan-based Alghad TV captured the second strike, which struck people gathered on an external stairwell frequently used by journalists to film the surrounding area of Khan Younis.

The journalists killed have been identified as Hussam al-Masri (Reuters), Mohammed Salama (Al Jazeera), Mariam Dagga (Associated Press), Ahmad Abu Aziz (Middle East Eye), and Moas Abu Taha, who was mistakenly reported to work for NBC.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed carrying out the strike near the hospital but did not specify the intended target. The military said it “regrets any harm to uninvolved individuals and does not target journalists as such” and pledged to conduct an inquiry.

Two weeks ago, six journalists, including four Al Jazeera reporters, were killed near al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City. The IDF claimed it targeted a reporter allegedly involved with Hamas, though no conclusive evidence was presented. With this latest attack, ten Al Jazeera journalists have been killed, and the total number of reporters killed in Gaza now exceeds 240.

The attack drew sharp condemnation from international media organizations and rights groups. The Foreign Press Association called on Israel to end what it described as the “abhorrent practice of targeting journalists,” noting that Monday’s strike is among the deadliest attacks on journalists in the Gaza conflict to date.

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