An Israeli airstrike on Nasser Hospital in the Gaza Strip resulted in the deaths of at least 20 individuals, including five journalists, on October 16, 2023. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described the incident as a “tragic mishap,” emphasizing that Israel values the contributions of journalists and medical personnel. The military has launched an investigation into the attack.
The hospital, located in Khan Younis, was struck twice, according to Palestinian health officials. The first strike killed Hussam al-Masri, a cameraman working as a contractor for Reuters. He was positioned near a live broadcasting setup on an upper floor of the hospital. Following this initial strike, further attacks targeted those who rushed to the scene, resulting in additional casualties among journalists and rescue workers.
Among the deceased journalists were Mariam Abu Dagga, who freelanced for the Associated Press, and Mohammed Salama, who worked for Al Jazeera. Also killed were Moaz Abu Taha, a freelance journalist, and Ahmed Abu Aziz. Hatem Khaled, another Reuters contractor, sustained injuries during the incident.
The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) confirmed the strike on the hospital area and expressed regret over the loss of civilian lives. The IDF stated, “We do not target journalists as such and strive to minimize harm to uninvolved individuals while ensuring the safety of IDF troops.”
Both Reuters and the Associated Press conveyed their devastation over the loss of their colleagues. Reuters issued a statement, saying, “We are devastated to learn that cameraman Hussam al-Masri was killed… We are urgently seeking more information and have asked authorities in Gaza and Israel to assist in providing medical help for Hatem.” The Associated Press expressed shock at the deaths, noting that Abu Dagga had frequently reported from the hospital, covering critical issues such as malnutrition among children.
The Palestinian Journalists Syndicate condemned the airstrikes, labeling them as part of an “open war against free media.” The organization highlighted that over 240 Palestinian journalists have been killed since the onset of the current conflict, which began on October 7, 2023.
Since the conflict erupted, Israel has restricted entry to foreign journalists in the Gaza Strip, leading to increased reliance on local reporters, many of whom have longstanding relationships with international media organizations.
The international community has reacted to the incident, with several countries, including the United Kingdom and France, condemning the attack. The United Nations Secretary-General called for accountability in the matter, underscoring the need to protect journalists in conflict zones.
As investigations continue, the impact of this tragedy resonates deeply within the journalist community and raises urgent questions about safety and freedom of the press in conflict areas.
