In a devastating attack on Monday, Israel struck Nasser Hospital in southern Gaza, killing at least 20 people — including five journalists on the front lines of reporting. 💔
Palestinian health officials say the initial strike hit a live broadcasting position operated by Reuters on an upper floor of the hospital in Khan Younis. Cameraman Hussam al-Masri, a Reuters contractor, was among those killed.
As rescue workers, medics, and fellow journalists rushed in to help, a second strike hit the same site, claiming more lives. The fallen reporters included Mariam Abu Dagga (freelancer for the Associated Press), Mohammed Salama (Al Jazeera), Moaz Abu Taha (freelance contributor to Reuters and others), and Ahmed Abu Aziz.
Photographer Hatem Khaled, also with Reuters, was wounded but survived the attack.
World leaders and organizations swiftly condemned the strikes. United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called for an impartial probe, highlighting the "extreme risks" faced by medical teams and journalists in conflict zones. ✍️
Arab League Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul Gheit decried the strike as part of a "relentless series of massacres," while the Egyptian Foreign Ministry labelled it a blatant violation of international humanitarian law.
In the Israeli-occupied West Bank, the Palestinian presidency urged the UN and Security Council to step up protections for journalists and hold parties accountable. The Palestinian Journalists Syndicate warned the world: more than 240 Palestinian journalists have died in Gaza since the conflict intensified on October 7, 2023. 📰✊
This tragic event underscores the dangerous reality for those risking their lives to keep us informed. Our thoughts go out to the victims’ families, and we stand with press freedom everywhere. 🙏
Reference(s):
Five journalists among 20 killed in Israeli strikes on Gaza hospital
cgtn.com
