Deadly Israeli Strike on Gaza Hospital Claims Lives of Journalists
In a tragic turn of events, at least 15 individuals, including four journalists working for international media outlets, have reportedly lost their lives in an Israeli airstrike on a hospital located in the southern Gaza Strip.
Among the casualties were a Reuters cameraman, an Associated Press journalist, and another journalist affiliated with Al Jazeera. The attack took place at Nasser Hospital, with several people killed in an initial strike and additional fatalities occurring during a second strike as rescuers rushed to the scene, as reported by the Hamas-run Civil Defence.
As chaos and devastation unfolded, pictures from the scene captured grey smoke rising from the damaged upper levels of the main hospital in southern Gaza. Outside, the scene was marked by frantic movements and the blaring sounds of ambulance horns.
Tragically, as a doctor displayed bloodied garments to journalists, another strike took place, adding to the toll of casualties. Among the victims were Husam al-Masri, a cameraman for Reuters, and Mariam Dagga, a freelance journalist working for the Associated Press. The loss of 33-year-old Dagga was described by AP as shocking and deeply saddening.
Other victims included Mohammed Salameh of Al Jazeera and photographer Muath Abu Taha, who was employed by NBC. The Civil Defence confirmed a total of 15 fatalities, including one of its members.
This devastating incident comes just two weeks after a targeted Israeli attack near al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City resulted in the deaths of six journalists, including four from Al Jazeera. The United Nations human rights office has strongly condemned the attack, labeling it a serious violation of international law.
While the Israel Defense Forces claimed to have targeted Anas al-Sharif, a prominent Al Jazeera reporter, alleging his involvement with a Hamas terrorist cell, the Committee to Protect Journalists criticized Israel for failing to provide evidence to support these allegations. The tragic loss of life among journalists underscores the importance of protecting press freedom in conflict zones. — BBC
