Israel Strikes Gaza Hospital: 15 Killed, Including Journalists

At least 15 people have been killed in Israeli airstrikes on Nasser Hospital in Gaza, including four journalists, according to Palestinian health officials.

Journalists Among the Victims

The deceased include Hussam al-Masri, a Reuters contractor and cameraman, who was killed in the first strike. Another Reuters contractor, photographer Hatem Khaled, was injured in a second strike.

Other journalists killed include:

• Mariam Abu Dagga, a freelancer for the Associated Press

• Mohammed Salama, working for Al Jazeera

• Moaz Abu Taha

A rescue worker also died in the strikes.

Attack Details

Witnesses reported that the second strike hit the hospital after rescue workers and journalists arrived at the site. Reuters live footage from the hospital, operated by Masri, went offline immediately after the first strike, showing the suddenness of the attack.

A Reuters spokesperson said:

“We are devastated by the death of our contractor Hussam al-Masri and injuries to Hatem Khaled. We are urgently seeking assistance for Hatem and further information on the attack.”

No Immediate Response from Israel

The Israeli military and Prime Minister’s Office did not provide immediate comments on the strikes.

Condemnation and Context

The Palestinian Journalists Syndicate condemned the attacks, calling them “an open war against free media” aimed at intimidating journalists and preventing coverage of the conflict.

Since the start of the war on October 7, 2023, over 240 Palestinian journalists have reportedly been killed by Israeli fire in Gaza.