Israel is facing mounting international outrage after a deadly strike on Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis left journalists, medical staff, and civilians dead.
The Monday attack, described as a “double-tap” strike, claimed at least 20 lives and has sparked calls for accountability.
According to the Palestinian Ministry of Health, two consecutive strikes hit the hospital balcony where media workers had been reporting.
The explosions killed five journalists, four health workers, and several patients seeking safety.
Dr. Mohammad Saqer, the hospital spokesman, confirmed the casualties. “Five journalists and four health workers died in the strikes,” he said, listing victims from Al Jazeera, Reuters, Associated Press, Independent Arabic, and freelance reporters.
Witness videos captured the terrifying scene. Medical staff and journalists were documenting the aftermath of the first strike when another shell hit, sending people scrambling in panic.
Gaza’s Civil Defense later reported that one of its own members was also killed while trying to help.
Meanwhile, a police source in Khan Younis said the hospital compound was engulfed in chaos as survivors tried to pull victims from the rubble.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) admitted responsibility, saying Hamas was using hospital rooftops for surveillance.
Brig. Gen. Effie Defrin said, “The IDF does not intentionally target civilians,” but described the situation as “an extremely complex reality.”
Local media, however, quoted an Israeli security official saying that a surveillance camera on the hospital roof was the target.
Two shells were fired one hit the equipment, while the other struck first responders.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called the deaths a “tragic mishap” but promised accountability.
“Israel values the work of journalists, medical staff, and all civilians. The military authorities are conducting a thorough investigation,” he said.
The attack has been labeled one of the deadliest incidents against journalists since the Gaza war began.
The Foreign Press Association called it a “watershed moment.”
UN Secretary-General António Guterres condemned the killings, urging that “civilians, journalists, and medical personnel be protected at all times.”
The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) went further, describing the strike as “unlawful killings” and warning it may amount to war crimes.
Doctors Without Borders also accused Israel of targeting “the only partially functioning public hospital in southern Gaza,” stressing that staff had no safe place to work.
The Palestinian Journalists Syndicate called the incident a “heinous massacre.”
CPJ revealed that 192 journalists have been killed since the Gaza war began, raising concerns about press freedom, international law, and protection for civilians.
