In brief
A recent double strike by Israeli forces on a hospital in Gaza has claimed the lives of at least 20 individuals, among whom are journalists and health workers. The strikes, occurring within minutes of one another, have drawn international outrage. Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu referred to the event as a tragic mishap, and investigations are ongoing. The attack raises concerns regarding the treatment of journalists in conflict zones, with calls for accountability and respect for international law being echoed worldwide.
Israeli double strike on Gaza hospital: What we know
A double Israeli strike on a hospital in Gaza killed 20 people including journalists and health workers, according to the outlets they worked for, the World Health Organization and the Hamas-run health ministry.
At least one person was killed in an initial strike, and others in a second attack minutes later as rescuers and journalists attended the scene at Nasser hospital in Khan Younis.
The five journalists worked for international media outlets, including the Associated Press, Reuters, Al Jazeera, and Middle East Eye.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu referred to the incident as a tragic mishap and stated that the nation deeply regrets the event while a thorough investigation is being conducted.
How the attack unfolded
The first strike hit at around 10:00 local time, according to medical staff at Nasser Hospital.
There was mass panic... chaos noted by a British medical professional working at the hospital during the attack.
Approximately 10 minutes later, a second strike targeted the same location, injuring medical staff who were planning their escape from the building.
The World Health Organization reported significant damage to the hospital's emergency department, inpatient ward, and surgical unit.
Video footage confirms the timelines and showcases the chaos that ensued during the initial and subsequent attacks.
Identities of the victims
The identities of the journalists killed have been confirmed, including Husam al-Masri, a cameraman for Reuters, and Mariam Dagga, a freelance journalist for the Associated Press.
Reactions and international responses
UN Secretary-General António Guterres condemned the horrific killings, emphasizing the risks faced by journalists and medical personnel in conflict zones. Other international leaders echoed calls for investigations and accountability regarding the attacks.
The Foreign Press Association criticized a pattern of targeting journalists, insisting that international law must be upheld to protect civilians and journalists during conflicts.
