Israeli forces carried out a double-tap strike at the Nasser Medical Complex in southern Gaza on August 25, killing at least 20 people – five journalists among them – according to Palestinian health officials. Israel acknowledged and initiated an immediate investigation.
Reuters, Anadolu Ajansi and The Guardian all report this as credible news sources.
Double Tap Attack Claimed against Journalists and Civilians
The attack began with an initial bomb strike against Al-Yassin hospital’s emergency ward, followed shortly afterwards by another blast that targeted first responders, rescue teams, and journalists who arrived on scene. For more information about the attacks please see: [NDTV.com | Anadolu Ajansi | Times of India
“Reporters from Reuters, AP, Al Jazeera and other outlets were among those killed – this underscores the loss suffered by Gaza media.” Chacun of these outlets contributed journalists with different types of journalism experience–encompassing Reuters, AP, Al Jazeera, NBC and other outlets as journalists covering Gaza for news organizations like Wikipedia +15 The Guardian + 15 New York Post (and several more).
Eyewitness video footage showed rescue workers wearing bright orange vests attempting to assist the wounded when the second explosion hit, instantly killing several rescue workers as well as journalists. Journalists were among those killed.
The Guardian (+1). Journalist Casualties and Survivor Accounts.
An explosion on April 13 killed at least 13 people from various organizations including Reuters contractor Hussam al-Masri, Associated Press freelance visual journalist Mariam Abu Dagga, Al Jazeera photographer Mohammed Salam and NBC journalist Moaz Abu Taha; Hatem Khaled was critically wounded while trying to rescue another photographer; which led to a second blast that seriously wounded several rescuers, with Hatem Khaled becoming critically wounded himself as part of that second incident (NDTV.com +13, Reuters +13 and New York Post +13). For more details see www.ndtv.com +13, Reuters +13 and New York Post +13 for details).
A spokesperson from Reuters expressed deep sadness over al-Masri’s death and asked that immediate medical aid be given for Khaled, as reported in The Guardian and New York Post.
Reuters and Al Jazeera released statements condemning the violence, mourning the deaths of colleagues and demanding enhanced protections for media personnel.
The Guardian and Wall Street Journal both published articles noting IDF Response with Regret and Investigation
Israel Defense Forces officials confirmed the strike and stated the Chief of General Staff has ordered an immediate probe. Military expressed regret over any harm done to uninvolved individuals as journalists were never intended targets of attack. The Guardian +5
Reuters +5 Gazeta Express +5
Broader Humanitarian and Press Freedom Concerns
Nasser Hospital in Gaza City has come under attack numerous times during recent conflicts, raising alarm about destruction to medical infrastructure during wartime. Reuters; The Guardian; Al Jazeera
The health ministry condemned this attack as part of an orchestrated plan to dismantle healthcare delivery system.
Press freedom advocates have highlighted an alarming increase in journalist deaths in Gaza since October 2023; more have died there than globally over three years combined, prompting watchdogs to warn about intentional suppression of reporting.
The Guardian
As Gaza suffers another crushing blow to its healthcare and media networks, the death of five journalists during Israel’s raid against Nasser Hospital illustrates the increasingly risky nature of reporting from war zones. While Israel will conduct its internal inquiry, this attack marks yet another grim milestone in wartime journalism’s perilous landscape.