Israeli Strikes Kill Five More Journalists in Gaza

Five journalists were among at least 20 people killed on Monday when two Israeli strikes hit Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis, Gaza. The Associated Press reported that “two strikes hit Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis in quick succession,” with videos showing journalists and rescue workers rushing to the first blast before a second explosion struck a staircase.

The victims included Mariam Dagga, a freelance visual journalist for AP; Hussam al-Masri, a Reuters cameraman; Mohammad Salama of Al Jazeera; freelancer Ahmed Abu Aziz of Middle East Eye; and Moaz Abu Taha, who occasionally contributed to Reuters.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued what The New York Times described as a “rare statement of contrition,” saying, “Israel deeply regrets the tragic mishap that occurred today at the Nasser Hospital in Gaza. Israel values the work of journalists, medical staff, and all civilians… Our war is with Hamas terrorists.”

In a joint letter to Netanyahu and other Israeli officials, AP’s executive editor and senior vice president, Julie Pace, and Reuters’ editor-in-chief, Alessandra Galloni, said, “We are outraged that independent journalists were among the victims of this strike on the hospital, a location that is protected under international law. These journalists were present in their professional capacity, doing critical work bearing witness. Their work is especially vital in light of Israel’s nearly two-year ban on foreign journalists entering Gaza.”

According to the Committee to Protect Journalists, at least 197 journalists have been killed since the start of the nearly two-year war. The group called the killings a grave violation of press freedom.

“The killing of journalists in Gaza is not just a tragedy for their families and colleagues; it is an attack on the public’s right to know. Journalists are witnesses on the front lines of conflict, often the only way the public understands what is happening in this war,” National Press Club president Mike Balsamo said. “They must never be treated as targets. International law requires their protection, and those who violate that obligation must be held accountable.”