At least 15 individuals, including four journalists employed by international media outlets, are reported to have been killed in an Israeli airstrike on a hospital in the southern Gaza Strip.
A Reuters cameraman and an Associated Press (AP) journalist were among the victims of the attack at Nasser Hospital. Another journalist is said to have been affiliated with Al Jazeera.
Multiple people were killed in an initial strike, with additional casualties in a second strike that occurred as rescuers responded at the scene, according to the Hamas-run Civil Defence.
The Israeli military confirmed it conducted an attack on the hospital and stated that an investigation has been initiated. It emphasized that it “does not target journalists as such”.
The Hamas-run health ministry reported that individuals were killed when a missile struck the fourth floor, followed by another missile hitting the same location as rescuers arrived, according to AP.
Reuters news agency reported that its cameraman, Husam al-Masri, was among the deceased. AP confirmed that Mariam Dagga, a 33-year-old freelance journalist working for them, was also killed. The agency expressed being “shocked and saddened” by her death.
The other victims reportedly include Mohammed Salameh, who worked for Al Jazeera, and photographer Muath Abu Taha. US TV network NBC clarified that Taha was not employed by them, despite initial reports suggesting otherwise.
The Civil Defence reported a total of 15 people killed, including one of its members, as stated by AFP news agency.
Monday’s attack follows an incident two weeks prior, where six journalists, including four from Al Jazeera, were killed in an Israeli targeted strike near al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City.
A Gentle Reminder: Every obstacle is a stepping stone, every morning; a chance to go again, and those little steps take you closer to your dream.
Nnamdi Okoli
