In a devastating incident in the southern Gaza Strip, an Israeli airstrike on Nasser Hospital has resulted in at least 15 fatalities, including four journalists affiliated with international media organizations. Among those who lost their lives are a cameraman from Reuters and a freelancer for the Associated Press. The other two journalists were identified as working for Al Jazeera and NBC.
The strikes reportedly occurred in two phases, with the initial attack leading to immediate casualties, followed by a second round aimed at rescuers who rushed to the scene, as stated by Hamas-run Civil Defence. Eyewitness accounts and visuals from the site depict a scene of chaos with grey smoke rising and frantic civilians responding to the devastation.
The Israeli military has withheld comments on the incident, while the damage at the hospital has caused widespread shock. Notably, Reuters reported that cameraman Husam al-Masri was among the deceased, and the Associated Press mourned the loss of Mariam Dagga, a dedicated 33-year-old freelance journalist. The other victims included Mohammed Salameh from Al Jazeera and photographer Muath Abu Taha from NBC.
Civil Defence sources confirm that the total death toll includes one of their members as well. This tragedy underscores the ongoing and perilous situation in the region amidst the escalating Israeli-Gaza conflict.