A recent incident in the Gaza Strip involving an Israeli military strike that led to the deaths of five journalists at a hospital has sparked global outrage. The strike occurred at Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis, resulting in the death of a reporter from Reuters, Hussam Al-Masri. Following the initial strike, a second strike targeted the staircase where journalists and rescue workers had gathered, resulting in a total of at least 20 casualties, including the five journalists from prominent news outlets.
The United Nations rights office spokesperson, Thameen Al-Kheetan, has called for accountability and justice for the journalists’ deaths, emphasizing the need for a thorough and independent investigation into the attack. The UN highlighted the importance of protecting press freedom, especially during times when reliable information is crucial, asserting that journalists should not be targeted.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office described the strike as a “tragic mishap,” stating that the military was investigating the incident. The military claimed it was targeting militants and a suspected Hamas surveillance camera. Hamas denied allegations that the Palestinians killed in the attack were militants, clarifying discrepancies in the locations of the alleged militants.
International condemnation swiftly followed the double-strike, with Canada and the European Union denouncing the attack and emphasizing the protection of civilians and journalists under international law. French President Emmanuel Macron and Germany’s foreign office also expressed shock and condemned the assault on the hospital, underscoring the need to safeguard civilians and journalists in conflict zones.