Israel attacked the Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis, southern Gaza Strip on Monday, August 25, resulting in at least 20 deaths and around 80 injuries. Local medical personnel reported that among the deceased were five journalists working for Reuters, AP, Al Jazeera TV, and other media outlets.
The Israeli Defense Forces acknowledged the attack on the hospital area and stated that the Chief of Staff has ordered an investigation. Prime Minister Netanyahu’s office called it a “tragic mistake” and emphasized Israel’s respect for journalists and medical personnel, clarifying that the target of the conflict is Hamas.
According to medical staff and witnesses, the first attack hit the upper floors of the hospital, near the operating rooms and doctors’ dormitories, including the location where Reuters photographer Hussam al-Masri had set up live broadcasting equipment. Masri was killed on the spot, abruptly cutting off the live feed.
Subsequently, when rescue workers and other journalists rushed to the scene, a second attack occurred as they entered the building through the external stairs. The staircase was struck, causing more casualties, including journalists and rescue workers. Al Ghad, an Arabic satellite TV channel, released a video purportedly showing the second attack, depicting an explosion as a group of people climbed the stairs.
Nasser Hospital is one of the few operational medical facilities in the Gaza Strip. Since the outbreak of the conflict, the hospital has been targeted by airstrikes multiple times.
The journalists who lost their lives include Hussam al-Masri of Reuters, freelance writer Mariam Abu Dagga of AP, journalist Mohammed Salama of Al Jazeera, freelance writers Moaz Abu Taha and Ahmed Abu Aziz.
Furthermore, Reuters freelance photographer Hatem Khaled was injured in the attack. Medical personnel noted that some rescue workers and healthcare workers were also among the casualties.
The IDF spokesperson, Brig. Gen. Effie Defrin, stated in an English video message that the IDF does not intentionally target civilians. He emphasized that the IDF makes every effort to minimize harm to civilians while ensuring the safety of their forces and operates in a highly complex reality where Hamas terrorists deliberately use civilian facilities including hospitals for cover.
Defrin stated, “As a professional army, we must abide by international law. We have an obligation to thoroughly and professionally investigate our actions. The Chief of Staff has ordered an immediate investigation to understand the specific circumstances and reasons for what happened.”
Regarding the deaths of multiple journalists, he acknowledged the risks journalists face in active conflict zones, especially when combating terrorist organizations like Hamas.
Defrin assured, “We will disclose investigation results as transparently as possible. We regret any harm to non-combatants and pledge to continue operations against Hamas while taking all necessary precautions.”
AP and Reuters jointly requested an explanation from Israel, emphasizing that hospitals are protected under international law and the journalists who died were fulfilling their professional duties.
The Foreign Press Association condemned the attack on the stairwell where journalists were stationed and urged Israel to “cease the despicable acts against journalists.”
The Palestinian Authority urged the UN Security Council and the international community to provide protection for journalists and hold Israel accountable. The Palestinian Journalists Association condemned it as a “public war on the free media,” while the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) noted that nearly 200 journalists and media workers have died in Gaza since the conflict began.