International-News

Massacre in Gaza, Nasser Hospital hit: 20 civilians and five journalists killed

The IDF claims responsibility for the attack and announces an investigation, while international pressure mounts

The death toll from the double Israeli attack on Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis, in the south of the Gaza Strip, has risen to at least 20 dead and dozens wounded. According to the local Ministry of Health, the victims include a member of the civil defence and five journalists: Hussam al-Masri, Reuters cameraman; Mohammed Salama, al-Jazeera correspondent; Mariam Dagga, Associated Press contributor; Moaz Abu Taha, NBC journalist; and Ahmad Abu Aziz.

Reactions from the agencies
Reuters confirmed the death of its cameraman al-Masri and the injury of another contributor, Hatem Khaled, calling for “immediate medical assistance” for the surviving reporter. The agency specified that al-Masri’s live broadcast from inside the hospital was suddenly interrupted at the time of the first attack. The Associated Press also expressed ‘dismay and sorrow’ at the death of Mariam Dagga, 33, who had been working as a freelancer since the beginning of the conflict.

International condemnation
UN envoy Francesca Albanese called for sanctions against Israel after the killing of the rescue workers and reporters: “Scenes like this are repeated every day in Gaza, often undocumented. Break the blockade, impose an arms embargo and sanctions.”

Testimonies from the field
British surgeon Nick Maynard, who has worked extensively at Nasser Hospital, spoke to Sky News UK of ‘extreme barbarity’ and a ‘typical Israeli double strike’, in which raids hit an area and then return to target it again immediately afterwards, when help arrives.

The Israeli version
The Israeli Defence Forces (IDF), quoted by Haaretz, confirmed the operation, claiming that they did not target journalists and wanted to ‘minimise damage to those not involved’. Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir ordered a preliminary investigation ‘as soon as possible’.

Other raids in the Strip
Today, further attacks caused six deaths in different areas of Gaza, according to al-Jazeera. Three people were killed while distributing aid in Deir el-Balah, two others in the al-Karameh area, north-west of Gaza City, and one in a tent for displaced persons in Khan Younis.

Zamir: “There is an agreement on the hostages”
Israeli Chief of Staff Zamir also stated that “an agreement on the hostages is on the table” and that it is now up to Prime Minister Netanyahu to decide. He added that Operation “Gideon’s Chariots” had achieved its objectives against Hamas, but that the IDF was preparing to focus new attacks on Gaza City.

Propaganda against Hamas
The Israeli Ministry of Defence, through COGAT, has released footage allegedly showing Hamas militants mistreating and attacking civilians in Gaza. According to COGAT chief Ghassan Alian, ‘Hamas rules with fear and cruelty, oppressing residents to consolidate power.’

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