Israeli Airstrikes on Gaza Hospital Claim 20 Lives, Including Journalists

At least 20 individuals perished in Israeli strikes on Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis on Monday, according to the Gaza Civil Defense Agency. Among the deceased were five journalists and a civil defense worker. Agency spokesman Mahmoud Bassal reported that an Israeli drone targeted a building within the hospital compound, followed by a subsequent airstrike during an evacuation, resulting in the deaths. Nasser Hospital is one of the few partially operational medical facilities remaining in Gaza, repeatedly targeted during the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict. Media organizations worldwide have confirmed the loss of their journalists. Al Jazeera mourned the death of cameraman Mohammed Salama, condemning it as a horrific crime and accusing Israeli forces of a systematic campaign to suppress truth. The Associated Press expressed deep shock and sadness over the death of freelance visual journalist Mariam Dagga. Reuters confirmed the death of its contract journalist Hussam al-Masri, and reported injuries to another journalist, Hatem Khaled. The Palestinian Journalists Union identified the other journalists killed as Muaz Abu Taha and Ahmed Abu Aziz. In response, the Israeli army stated it had carried out an attack in the Nasser Hospital area and initiated a preliminary investigation. The army denied any intent to harm innocent people or target journalists. AFP video footage depicted the aftermath of the attack, revealing smoke, bloodied bodies, and severed limbs being carried inside. The injured included a medical worker in scrubs.