An Israeli strike on a hospital in southern Gaza has killed at least 20 people, including five journalists, according to health officials. The attack, which Gaza officials described as a “double-tap” strike, has drawn international condemnation and further intensified fears for the safety of civilians, healthcare workers, and media personnel in the besieged enclave.
According to the Gaza Health Ministry and eyewitness accounts, the initial strike hit the fourth floor of a building at Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis. Moments later, as rescue workers and journalists rushed to the scene to aid the wounded, a second missile struck the same location. The second blast killed at least 17 people, including those who had arrived to help.
Among the dead were journalists from international news agencies, who had been documenting the ongoing conflict. The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) stated that this incident brings the number of journalists killed in Gaza to nearly 200 since the beginning of the war. Those identified as killed include:
- Hussam al-Masri, a cameraman for Reuters
- Mariam Abu Dagga, a freelance journalist who worked with The Associated Press
- Mohammed Salam, a photographer for Al Jazeera
- Moaz Abu Taha, a freelance photojournalist
- Ahmad Abu Aziz, from Quds Feed
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed that it carried out a strike in the area of Nasser Hospital and said it would conduct an investigation into the incident. An IDF spokesperson stated that the military “regrets any harm to uninvolved individuals and does not target journalists as such.” However, rights groups and journalistic bodies have repeatedly accused Israel of recklessly endangering civilians and media workers, a claim Israel denies.
The strike on Nasser Hospital is the latest in a series of attacks on medical facilities, which have been overwhelmed by the humanitarian crisis and a critical shortage of supplies. Israel has consistently claimed that Hamas uses hospitals and other civilian infrastructure for military purposes, an assertion that has been denied by Hamas and medical staff. The attack on a site of medical refuge and the targeting of those providing aid has sparked outrage and renewed calls for an immediate ceasefire.