In the early hours of Monday, an airstrike on Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis killed at least 20 people, among them five journalists and the volunteers and medics who raced to the scene.
Cameraman Hussam al-Masri, a Reuters contractor, was struck near a live broadcast position on an upper floor. Moments later, a second strike hit the last operational medical site in southern Gaza, claiming more lives, including freelancer Mariam Abu Dagga with the Associated Press, Moaz Abu Taha who occasionally contributed to Reuters, Mohammed Salama of Al Jazeera, and Ahmed Abu Aziz. Photographer Hatem Khaled, another Reuters contractor, was wounded.
Global Outcry
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres demanded an immediate, impartial probe into the hospital strike. UN Spokesman Stephane Dujarric highlighted the extreme dangers that medical teams and reporters face. Arab League Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul Gheit condemned the attack as one episode in a relentless series of massacres. Egypt's Foreign Ministry described it as a blatant violation of international humanitarian law.
Press Freedom Under Fire
In the Israeli-occupied West Bank, the Palestinian presidency urged the UN and the Security Council to shield journalists and hold attackers accountable. The Palestinian Journalists Syndicate warned that more than 240 Palestinian journalists have died under Israeli fire in Gaza since October 7, 2023, labeling the strikes an open war against free media.
This tragedy underscores the perilous environment for reporters and medical staff in Gaza and highlights the urgent need for protections that let vital stories emerge from conflict zones worldwide.
Reference(s):
Five journalists among 20 killed in Israeli strikes on Gaza hospital
cgtn.com
