An Israeli airstrike on Nasser Hospital in southern Gaza resulted in the deaths of at least 20 people, including five journalists, according to local health authorities. The attack, described as a “double tap,” occurred in two waves, with the second strike hitting first responders and reporters at the scene. Graphic footage captured by Jordan-based Alghad TV showed the second strike hitting people gathered on an external stairwell of the hospital, a common location for media to film the area.
The journalists killed in the strike have been identified as Hussam al-Masri of Reuters, Al Jazeera’s Mohammed Salama, Mariam Dagga from The Associated Press, Ahmad Abu Aziz of the Middle East Eye, and Moas Abu Taha, with some initial reports claiming a connection to NBC, though the US-based broadcaster denied the affiliation. The Israel Defense Forces confirmed the strike but provided no details on the intended target, expressing regret for any harm to uninvolved individuals and promising an initial inquiry.
This incident marks a grim escalation in the conflict, as it is the second such attack on journalists in two weeks. Two weeks ago, six journalists, including four from Al Jazeera, were killed in another Israeli strike near al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City. The Israeli military claimed to have targeted Anas al-Sharif, a prominent Al Jazeera reporter, who they alleged was operating as the head of a terrorist cell in Hamas, though no conclusive evidence was presented.
The death toll of journalists killed by Israel in Gaza has now reached 10, with the total number of reporters killed exceeding 2,400. The latest attack has been strongly condemned by rights groups and international media organizations. The Foreign Press Association called on Israel to halt its practice of targeting journalists, with a London-based organization stating that this is among the deadliest Israeli attacks on journalists since the start of the Gaza war.