Israeli Strike on Gaza Medical Complex Kills 20, Including Five Journalists
An Israeli airstrike on Gaza’s Nasser Medical Complex on August 25 killed at least 20 people, including five journalists, in what officials and observers describe as one of the deadliest attacks on media workers during the ongoing war.
An Israeli strike hit the Nasser Medical Complex in Khan Younis, southern Gaza, in a devastating “double-tap” attack that targeted both the hospital and rescuers who rushed to aid the injured. The first missile struck the fourth floor of the hospital, while a second hit around 15 minutes later, killing people gathered on the stairwell.
Among the 20 fatalities were five journalists: Hussam al-Masri (Reuters), Mariam Abu Dagga (AP), Mohammed Salama (Al Jazeera), Moaz Abu Taha, and Ahmed Abu Aziz. Several others, including Reuters contractor Hatem Khaled, were injured. Their deaths bring the number of journalists killed since the war began in October 2023 to more than 190, making this conflict one of the deadliest for the press in modern history.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed “deep regret” over what he called a “tragic mishap,” while the Israeli Defense Forces said the intended target was Hamas operatives and not civilians or media workers. An internal investigation has been announced.
The attack has drawn international condemnation. UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy renewed calls for a ceasefire, while French President Emmanuel Macron called the bombing of a hospital “intolerable.” The Committee to Protect Journalists described the strike as one of the gravest assaults on global media freedom.
The attack comes amid worsening humanitarian conditions in Gaza, where medical facilities are collapsing under relentless bombardment and aid groups warn of looming famine. With Nasser Hospital now crippled, one of the last lifelines for southern Gaza’s civilians is in jeopardy.
