Gaza, Aug 26 (V7N) – At least 20 people, including five journalists and several medical personnel, were killed on Monday after Israel struck the Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis, southern Gaza, Palestinian health officials reported.

Among those killed was Hussam al-Masri, a Palestinian cameraman contracted by Reuters, who died near a live broadcasting station positioned on the hospital’s upper floors. Witnesses and hospital officials said a second strike targeted the same area moments later, killing journalists, rescue workers, and medics who had rushed to the scene.

Other journalists killed in the strike included Mariam Abu Dagga, a freelance contributor to the Associated Press, Mohammed Salama of Al Jazeera, Moaz Abu Taha, a freelancer who had contributed to Reuters, and Ahmed Abu Aziz. Hatem Khaled, a Reuters contractor, was seriously injured.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called the incident a “tragic mishap” and emphasized that Israel’s war is with Hamas, not journalists or medical staff. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed targeting the area and announced an internal inquiry, stating it does not target journalists and aims to minimize civilian harm.

In a statement, Reuters expressed devastation at the deaths and called for urgent medical support for their injured photographer. The Associated Press also voiced shock and sorrow, highlighting the dangers faced by journalists covering the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

The Palestinian Journalists Syndicate condemned the attack as “an open war on free media,” reporting that over 240 Palestinian journalists have been killed since the war began on October 7, 2023. The Committee to Protect Journalists put the death toll at 197 journalists, including 189 Palestinians.

The Palestinian presidency called on the international community and the United Nations to protect journalists and hold Israel accountable.

Israeli military spokesperson Brigadier General Effie Defrin said investigations would be conducted in line with international law, adding, “Reporting from an active war zone carries immense risk, especially against an enemy like Hamas, which hides among civilians.”

END/WD/AJ/