Israeli Airstrikes Kill 20, Including Journalists, In Gaza

At least 20 people, including five journalists, were killed in Israeli air strikes on Nasser Hospital in southern Gaza on Monday, according to Gaza health officials and Hamas-run Civil Defense. The attack, described as a double-tap strike, involved an initial strike followed by a second missile hitting the site minutes later as rescuers and journalists rushed to help, resulting in the deaths of medical staff, rescue workers, and civilians.

The journalists killed were identified as Hussam al-Masri, a Reuters photojournalist; Mohammad Salama, an Al Jazeera photographer; Mariam Abu Dagga, a freelance journalist who worked with the Associated Press; Moaz Abu Taha, a freelance journalist who contributed to Reuters; and Ahmad Abu Aziz.

The first strike hit the top floor of a building at Nasser Hospital, killing several people, including Hussam al-Masri, who was near a live broadcasting position.

A second strike occurred approximately 15 minutes later, targeting the same spot as rescue crews and journalists arrived, killing more, including other journalists and civil defense workers. A live video from AlGhad TV captured the moments of the second strike, showing rescuers and journalists shielding themselves before the blast.

This attack marks a significant escalation in the dangers faced by journalists in Gaza, bringing the total number of journalists killed since October 2023 to nearly 200.

The Committee to Protect Journalists condemned the strikes, calling them the "most horrific attacks the press has ever faced in recent history."

International leaders, including French President Emmanuel Macron and Germany's foreign office, expressed shock and called for investigations, emphasizing the need to protect civilians and journalists.

The UK's foreign secretary says he is "horrified" by the deadly strike carried out on a hospital in southern Gaza earlier today.

Reacting to the news on X, David Lammy writes: "Civilians, healthcare workers and journalists must be protected. We need an immediate ceasefire."

U.S. President Donald Trump responding to reporters at the White House said "I am not happy about that. I don't want to see such things happen."

The Israeli military in a statement, said it carried out a strike in the area, regretted any harm to uninvolved individuals, and confirmed an investigation was underway, but did not specify the target. Israel has banned independent international journalists from entering Gaza since the war began, forcing media organizations to rely on local reporters.