Israel hits Gaza hospital, killing at least 15 people, including journalists

At least 15 people, including four journalists, were killed on Monday after Israeli strikes hit Nasser Hospital in southern Gaza, according to Palestinian health officials. Among the dead was Hussam al-Masri, a cameraman contracted to Reuters, who was operating a live video feed from the hospital when the first strike occurred. Footage from Reuters showed the live feed cutting off abruptly at the moment of impact.

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Shortly after the initial attack, a second strike struck the same area as rescue workers, journalists, and bystanders rushed to the scene. Palestinian officials said this strike caused further casualties, including the death of additional journalists and a rescue worker. Photographer Hatem Khaled, another Reuters contractor, was among those wounded in the second attack.

Health officials named the other three journalists killed as Mariam Abu Dagga, Mohammed Salama, and Moaz Abu Taha. The Israeli military and the Prime Minister’s Office declined to comment on the strikes when contacted.

The attack highlights the increasingly perilous conditions faced by media workers in Gaza, who often remain on the frontlines to report the conflict. Witnesses described scenes of chaos and devastation as emergency workers attempted to recover bodies and assist the wounded under continuing threat.

The latest strike underscores the scale of journalist casualties in Gaza since the conflict erupted on October 7, 2023. According to the Palestinian Journalist Syndicate, more than 240 reporters and media workers have been killed by Israeli fire in the enclave since the war began. This figure reflects one of the deadliest environments for journalists in modern history.

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International press freedom organizations have repeatedly raised alarm over the targeting of journalists, calling for independent investigations into the deaths and accountability for those responsible. Media groups argue that journalists are civilians under international law and must be protected while reporting in conflict zones.

The attack also raises further concerns about the safety of Gaza’s already fragile healthcare system. Hospitals have repeatedly been struck during the war, despite being vital lifelines for treating wounded civilians. Nasser Hospital, one of the largest remaining medical facilities in southern Gaza, has been under immense strain due to shortages of medicine, fuel, and staff.

The killings add to mounting international pressure on Israel over its conduct of the war. Rights groups and aid organizations have warned that strikes on hospitals and the deaths of journalists risk deepening the humanitarian crisis and obstructing efforts to document the conflict.