Health officials reported that at least 20 people were killed in Israeli strikes on Nasser Hospital in southern Gaza, including five journalists. The victims included Hussam al-Masri from Reuters, Mariam Abu Dagga from the Associated Press, Al Jazeera journalist Mohammed Salam, photojournalist Moaz Abu Taha, and Ahmad Abu Aziz from Quds Feed. Another Reuters journalist, Hatem Khaled, was injured in the attack.
Footage from Alghad TV showed civil defense workers in orange vests and journalists being hit by a bomb while trying to recover the body of Masri, who had been killed earlier in a strike on the hospital’s fourth floor. Moments before the explosion, they raised their hands in a protective gesture but were killed instantly.
The Gaza Health Ministry stated that a second bomb struck the same location on the fourth floor after rescue teams had arrived. Later video footage showed a pile of bodies where the journalists and civil defense workers had been standing.
The Associated Press expressed shock and sadness over Dagga’s death and the deaths of the other journalists, emphasizing their commitment to keeping their reporters safe amid dangerous conditions. Reuters also said it was devastated by the loss of Masri and the injury to Khaled, adding that they were urgently seeking more information and medical assistance for their colleague.
According to the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), at least 193 Palestinian journalists have been killed since October 7, 2023—more than the global total over the previous three years. The CPJ has accused Israel of deliberately targeting journalists to conceal its actions in Gaza.
An Israeli military spokesperson said the chief of staff had ordered a preliminary investigation into the strike and expressed regret for harm to civilians, denying that journalists were intentionally targeted. However, Israeli military investigations into alleged misconduct rarely lead to accountability. A recent report found that 88% of war crime allegations in Gaza were either closed or unresolved. An investigation into the 2022 killing of Al Jazeera journalist Shireen Abu Akleh by an Israeli sniper was never completed.
Mariam Abu Dagga, 33, had been freelancing for the AP and other outlets like Independent Arabia since the war began. She reported on doctors at Nasser Hospital struggling to save children suffering from starvation. Independent Arabia praised her dedication and courage in documenting civilian suffering.
Ahmad Abu Aziz, based at Nasser Hospital, covered the impact of Israeli attacks on Gazans. He lost colleagues and his home during the war, and in a previous article, he described feeling increasingly isolated as more journalists were killed.
Al Jazeera confirmed that Mohammed Salam was among those killed in the hospital strike.A Reuters contractor and cameraman, Masri, was killed in a strike. Another Reuters contractor, a photographer named Khaled, was wounded.
Israel has barred international media from covering the 22-month conflict—an unprecedented restriction in the history of war reporting. Palestinian journalists in Gaza who work with international news organizations continue their work despite facing starvation and the constant threat of death.
According to the Palestinian health ministry, Monday’s strikes on Nasser hospital disrupted surgeries and damaged the operating theater. The ministry condemned the attack, calling it part of a “systematic destruction of the health system.” Nasser is now the only public hospital still functioning in southern Gaza.
Health officials also reported that gunfire killed people seeking aid in central Gaza, and airstrikes hit Gaza City.
At least six people were killed and 15 wounded while trying to reach a food distribution site run by the U.S.-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) in central Gaza. Shootings by Israeli soldiers near aid sites occur almost daily, though both the Israeli military and GHF deny intentionally targeting people seeking food.
A strike on a residential area in Gaza City killed at least three people, including a child. Israel is preparing to invade the city in the coming days, saying it intends to occupy and take control of the area.
Aid groups warn that such an operation would cause further displacement and worsen the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where famine is already taking hold.
Since the start of the Gaza war 22 months ago, at least 62,686 Palestinians have been killed. Israel launched its offensive in response to the October 7, 2023, attack by Hamas-led militants, which killed around 1,200 people in Israel and took 250 hostages.
Frequently Asked Questions
Of course Here is a list of FAQs about the reported attack on a Gaza hospital designed to be clear and helpful
General Information
Q What happened at the Gaza hospital
A Health officials in Gaza report that an Israeli military attack hit a hospital resulting in the deaths of 20 people
Q Which hospital was attacked
A The initial reports did not specify the exact name of the hospital It is often best to check the latest updates from major news outlets for confirmed details
Q When did this attack occur
A The exact date and time should be confirmed through recent news reports as the situation is developing
About the Victims and Impact
Q Who was killed in the attack
A According to the report 20 people were killed This included five journalists who were at the location along with patients medical staff and other civilians
Q Why were journalists at the hospital
A Journalists often report from hospitals during conflicts to document casualties and the humanitarian impact as these are sites where the consequences of violence are most visible
Q What is the status of the hospital now
A The attack likely caused significant damage disrupting medical services and creating a dangerous environment for the remaining patients and staff The full extent of the damage is being assessed
Context and Verification
Q Why would a hospital be targeted
A International Humanitarian Law including the Geneva Conventions strictly protects hospitals from attack All parties in a conflict are obligated to avoid targeting them An attack on a hospital is a serious violation unless it is being used for military purposes which is a claim that requires verified independent evidence
Q Has Israel confirmed or commented on the attack
A You would need to check the most recent statements from the Israeli Defense Forces In such situations the IDF typically states they are investigating or may claim the hospital was being used by militant groups
Q How can I know this report is accurate
A It is important to get information from multiple reliable sources Look for confirmation from major international news agencies and organizations on the ground that practice rigorous verification
Deeper Questions
Q What is the legal term for attacking a hospital
A Under International Law
