Israeli Attacks on Gaza Hospital Leave 20 Dead, Including Five Journalists

Monday’s Israeli attacks on Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis resulted in the deaths of at least 20 individuals, according to the Gaza Civil Defense Agency. Among the victims were five journalists and a civil defense worker. Agency spokesman Mahmoud Bassal reported that an Israeli drone strike hit a building within the hospital compound, followed by another airstrike during an evacuation. Nasser Hospital is one of the few remaining operational medical facilities in Gaza, having been targeted multiple times during the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict. Several media organizations have confirmed the deaths of their journalists. Al Jazeera mourned the loss of its cameraman Mohammed Salama, calling it a horrific crime and accusing Israeli forces of suppressing the truth. The Associated Press expressed deep shock and sadness over the death of Mariam Dagga. Reuters confirmed the death of its contract journalist Hussam al-Masri and stated that Hatem Khaled was injured. The Palestinian Journalists Union identified Muaz Abu Taha and Ahmed Abu Aziz as the other journalists killed. In response, the Israeli army confirmed an attack in the Nasser Hospital area and initiated a preliminary investigation. The army stated it did not aim to harm any innocent person or target journalists. AFP video footage captured the aftermath of the attack, showing smoke, bloodied bodies, and severed limbs. A medical worker wearing scrubs was among the injured.