At least 15 people, including four journalists working with international media, were killed in an Israeli airstrike on a hospital in southern Gaza, officials confirmed.
Among the dead were a Reuters cameraman, an Associated Press (AP) freelancer, and an Al Jazeera photographer.
The identity of the fourth journalist has not yet been verified.
According to Gaza’s Civil Defence, several people died in the initial strike, followed by more casualties when a second missile struck as rescuers rushed to the scene.
Israel said it has launched investigation
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said it was probing the attack, stressing that it “does not target journalists as such,” but gave no further details about the strike.
The incident has drawn widespread condemnation, with critics saying it highlights the dangers faced by reporters covering the war.
Since October 2023, nearly 200 journalists have been killed in Gaza, making it the deadliest conflict for members of the press ever recorded, according to the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ).
Gaza sealed off from global press
Israel has barred foreign journalists from entering Gaza independently since the conflict began.
International news outlets have instead relied heavily on local reporters for on-the-ground coverage.
In some cases, the IDF has escorted selected media under strict restrictions, but press groups argue this limits independent reporting.
The UN and rights organisations have repeatedly called on Israel to grant international reporters full access to Gaza.
Witness accounts of the strike
The Hamas-run health ministry said a missile hit the fourth floor of the hospital before a second struck the same spot when rescuers arrived.
Footage from the scene showed chaos and panic as doctors held up bloodied clothes from victims before another blast sent crowds running for cover. Glass shattered, and injured people were seen struggling to safety.
Other videos captured thick smoke rising from the upper levels of the hospital, while ambulances rushed through the frantic crowd.
Victims identified
Reuters confirmed the death of its cameraman Husam al-Masri, while colleague Hatem Khaled was injured. The agency said it was “devastated” and gathering more details.
AP identified its freelancer, 33-year-old Mariam Dagga, as another victim, saying it was “shocked and saddened” by her killing.
Al Jazeera said its photographer Mohammad Salama was among the dead, while Moaz Abu Taha, a photojournalist initially reported as working for NBC, was later clarified not to be on its staff.
Civil Defence officials said the strike killed 15 people in total, including one of its own members. AFP also confirmed the toll.
This attack comes just two weeks after another Israeli strike near al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City killed six journalists, four of them from Al Jazeera.
Press freedom groups warn that the repeated targeting of reporters is threatening the world’s ability to know what is happening in Gaza.
