Israeli Strikes on Nasser Hospital in Gaza Leave 20 Dead, Including Journalists
In a shocking turn of events on Monday, Israeli strikes on Nasser Hospital in Gaza resulted in at least 20 deaths, including five journalists, according to Palestinian health officials and various international news outlets. The Israeli military, which initially refrained from commenting, later admitted that the journalists were not intended targets.
Background and Context
The Israeli forces carried out two strikes on Nasser Hospital, located in Khan Younis, Gaza. The first strike hit the fourth floor, followed by a second strike as rescue workers and journalists were clearing debris, according to the Gaza Health Ministry. This attack method, known as a 'double-tap' strike, has been condemned by various international bodies.
The Foreign Press Association (FPA) labeled the attack a watershed moment
and has demanded an immediate explanation
. The association's statement emphasized that the attack came with no warning
and hit an exterior staircase of the hospital where journalists often stationed themselves with their cameras.
Journalists Among the Victims
The journalists killed in the strike have been identified as Hussam al-Masri and Hatem Khaled of Reuters, Mohammed Salama of Al Jazeera, Mariam Dagga of The Associated Press, and Ahmad Abu Aziz of the Middle East Eye. These deaths add to the alarming tally of more than 244 journalists killed in the region in previous attacks.
Israeli forces admitted that the five journalists killed were not members of Hamas or other factions from the Palestinian territory. The Israeli military spokesperson confirmed that none of the journalists killed were Hamas targets
, but suggested that the presence of six Hamas targets in the vicinity justified the attack.
International Condemnation and Reactions
The incident has sparked global condemnation, with the UN insisting that Israel must not only investigate the hospital strike but also ensure those probes yield results. There needs to be justice,
said United Nations rights office spokesman Thameen Al-Kheetan, adding that the large number of media workers killed in the Gaza war raises many, many questions about the targeting of journalists
.
The Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called the hospital bombing a tragic mishap
and expressed regret for the action. He emphasized that Israel values the work of journalists and civilians, and that a thorough investigation is being conducted by the military authorities.
Conclusion
The bombardment of Nasser Hospital and the killing of multiple journalists highlight a critical issue in the ongoing conflict. The incident has raised serious concerns about the safety of journalists in the region. As investigations continue, the international community watches closely, hoping for justice and accountability.