A devastating Israeli strike on the Nasser hospital in Gaza has resulted in the deaths of at least 15 people, Palestinian health officials reported on Monday. Among the deceased are four journalists, including a contractor working for the Reuters news agency.
The initial strike killed cameraman Hussam al-Masri, a Reuters contractor. A subsequent strike wounded photographer Hatem Khaled, another Reuters contractor, as rescue workers and journalists rushed to the scene of the first attack.
Details of the Gaza Hospital Attack
Witnesses described a chaotic scene following the initial explosion. The Reuters live video feed from the hospital, which was being operated by al-Masri, cut out abruptly at the moment of impact. The second strike occurred shortly after, targeting those who had gathered to help the wounded.
“We are devastated to learn of the death of Reuters contractor Hussam al-Masri and injuries to another of our contractors, Hatem Khaled,” a Reuters spokesperson said in an official statement. The agency is urgently seeking more information and has requested assistance from both Israeli and Gazan authorities to provide medical aid for the injured photographer.
International Response and Condemnation
The Palestinian Journalists Syndicate strongly condemned the strikes, labeling them “an open war against free media.” The group accused Israel of aiming to terrorize journalists and prevent them from reporting on the conflict. According to the syndicate, more than 240 Palestinian journalists have been killed by Israeli fire since the war began on October 7, 2023.
The other journalists killed were identified as Mariam Abu Dagga, a freelancer who had worked for the Associated Press; Mohammed Salama, a journalist for Al Jazeera; and Moaz Abu Taha. A rescue worker was also among the fatalities.
Official Israeli Comment on the Incident
The Israeli military and the Prime Minister’s Office have not issued an immediate comment regarding the reported strikes on the medical facility. The lack of an official statement leaves many questions unanswered as the international community calls for clarity.
This incident underscores the extreme dangers faced by civilians and media personnel in the conflict zone, further straining the already critical humanitarian situation in Gaza.
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