A tragic attack on Nasser Hospital in Gaza by Israeli forces resulted in the deaths of five journalists, including two Reuters staff. The incident has drawn international condemnation, with Sweden's Foreign Minister calling it 'unacceptable'. Israel's military confirmed the attack, expressing regret and stating that an investigation is underway.
Five Journalists Killed in Gaza Hospital Attack
Five Journalists Killed in Gaza Hospital Attack
They had arrived at the hospital to report. When the Israeli army launched an attack, journalists Mohammed Salama, Hussam al-Masri, Mariam Dagga, Moaz Taha, and Ahmed Abu Aziz were killed. "We are devastated," Reuters wrote about the loss of two of their staff members. Sweden's Foreign Minister Maria Malmer Stenergard (M) called the attack "unacceptable."
On Monday, Israel conducted drone attacks on Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis, southern Gaza. At least 20 people were killed and around 50 injured in the attack, according to Reuters.
Five of the deceased were photographers Hussam al-Masri and Mohammed Salah, and reporters Mariam Abu Dagga, Ahmad Abu Aziz, and Moaz Abu Taha. They worked for news agencies including Reuters, AP, and the TV channel al-Jazeera.
Several TV crews and other journalists had gathered on the hospital's roof to report on the war when the drones attacked.
Israel Confirms Attack – "Deeply Regrets"
Israel's military, IDF, confirmed the attack on Khan Yunis, reports Haaretz. The target of the assault remains unclear.
– We are aware of reports that civilians, including journalists, have been injured. I want to be clear that the IDF does not intentionally target civilians, said military spokesperson Effie Defrin in a statement.
He also stated that Hamas "deliberately uses civilian infrastructure, including hospitals, as shields."
Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu "regrets" what happened on Monday evening.
"Israel deeply regrets the tragic mishap that occurred today at Nasser Hospital in Gaza. Israel values the work done by journalists, healthcare workers, and all civilians," Netanyahu wrote on X and continued:
"Military authorities are conducting a thorough investigation. Our war is against Hamas terrorists. Our just goals are to defeat Hamas and bring our hostages home."
"Unacceptable for Journalists to be Harmed and Killed"
Sweden's Foreign Minister Maria Malmer Stenergard strongly criticized the attack.
"These are terrible news. It is unacceptable for journalists to be harmed and killed in the line of duty," she wrote to TT and added:
"The government has long demanded that international media be granted access to Gaza, that journalists should be able to operate safely and securely in conflict-affected areas to report accurately on what is happening on the ground."
News agency Reuters also commented on Monday about the attack that led to the deaths of two of their journalists.
"We are devastated that cameraman Hussam al Masri, a contractor for Reuters, was killed this morning in Israeli attacks on Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis in Gaza.
Moaz Abu Taha, a freelance journalist whose work was published by Reuters, was also killed, and photographer Hatem Khaled, a Reuters contractor, was injured.
We send our deepest condolences and thoughts to Hussam's and Moaz's families and relatives and will support them as best we can."
News agency AP expressed condemnation, stating they are "shocked and saddened" to hear about Mariam Abu Dagga's and other journalists' deaths. According to AP, Abu Dagga frequently reported from the hospital on malnourished and starving children.
Ravina Shamdasani, spokesperson for the UN Human Rights Council, also reacted strongly to the incident.
– "The killing of journalists in Gaza should shock the world, not lead to a stunned silence without action and demands for consequences and justice," she said according to TT.
SR Journalist Injured
Among the injured journalists is also Sveriges Radio's employee Baraa Lafi. She reportedly sustained minor leg injuries.
Since the war began in Gaza in October 2023, Israel has banned foreign journalists from entering Gaza. Reporting from the area has therefore come from Palestinian journalists, many of whom have worked for international media such as Reuters and AP.
According to the Palestinian Journalists Syndicate, more than 240 Palestinian journalists have been killed in Israeli attacks in Gaza since the war started on October 7, 2023.