At least 15 people, including four journalists affiliated with major international news organizations, have been killed in an Israeli airstrike on a hospital in the southern Gaza Strip. The strike occurred at Nasser Hospital, where reports indicate casualties from an initial explosion followed by a second strike as rescuers arrived on the scene, according to the Hamas-controlled Civil Defence.
Among those confirmed deceased are Husam al-Masri, a cameraman for Reuters, and Mariam Dagga, a freelance journalist for the Associated Press. Outrage has followed the confirmation of their deaths, with the Associated Press expressing its profound sorrow over the loss of the 33-year-old Dagga. Additionally, the fatalities included Mohamed Salameh from Al Jazeera and Muath Abu Taha, a photographer for NBC. The Civil Defence agency reported that a total of 15 lives were lost, including one of their own members.
Images from the devastating scene depict a chaotic atmosphere, with plumes of grey smoke rising from the hospital's upper levels and individuals fleeing amidst the turmoil, overwhelmed by the sound of ambulance sirens. Disturbing footage shows a doctor displaying bloodied clothing to the media just before another airstrike occurs, raising questions about safety protocol in media coverage during conflicts.
While the Israeli military and the Prime Minister's Office have refrained from making immediate comments regarding the strike, the incident adds to the rising tensions and ongoing violence between Israel and Gaza, which have claimed numerous lives on both sides. As concerns for the safety of journalists continue to grow, the international community watches closely, hoping for a resolution to the ongoing crisis.