Israeli airstrikes hit Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis, Gaza, on Monday, killing at least 20 people, including journalists and rescuers, and wounding dozens more, local health officials reported.
The attack is among the deadliest on Gaza hospitals since the war began in October 2023. Israel says it targeted “militant activity” in the area and promised an investigation.
Missiles Strike Hospital Twice
The first missile struck the fourth floor of Nasser Hospital at around 10:10 a.m., hitting surgical wards and doctor’s residences. Minutes later, as rescuers and journalists rushed to help, a second strike hit the stairwell, killing 18 more people.
Among the dead were:
- Mariam Dagga (33) – a visual journalist who reported for the Associated Press and others.
- Mohammed Salama – journalist with Al Jazeera.
- Moaz Abu Taha – freelance journalist who worked with Reuters.
- Ahmed Abu Aziz – local media worker.
Reuters confirmed that Hatem Khaled, one of its photographers, was seriously wounded.
Journalists Targeted in Deadliest War for Media
The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) says the Gaza war is one of the deadliest conflicts ever for the press, with 189 Palestinian journalists killed since October 2023.
The Palestinian Journalists Syndicate condemned the hospital strike as “an open war on free media.” It said more than 240 journalists have died in Israeli attacks since the war began.
Two weeks ago, Israeli strikes killed prominent Al Jazeera correspondent Anas Al-Sharif and four others. Israel claimed Sharif was linked to Hamas, but the broadcaster denied it.
Overwhelmed Hospitals, Rising Death Toll
Hospitals in Gaza are struggling with overcrowding, shortages, and constant bombardment. Nasser Hospital has already been struck multiple times. In June, three people died when Israel said it targeted a Hamas command center. In March, a strike on its surgical unit killed a Hamas official and a teenager.
The Gaza Health Ministry reports 62,686 Palestinians killed since the war began, nearly half of them women and children. The UN considers these figures reliable, though Israel disputes them.
Aid Seekers Also Killed
On the same day, Al-Awda Hospital said Israeli forces opened fire on civilians seeking food aid in central Gaza, killing six and injuring 15. Two more Israeli strikes killed another six people, including children.
Background on the War
The war began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas-led fighters killed 1,200 people in Israel and took 251 hostages. Most hostages have since been released, but around 50 remain in Gaza. Families in Israel continue to demand a ceasefire to secure their release.
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