At least 20 people, among them five journalists, were killed on Monday when Israel struck the area around Nasser Hospital in southern Gaza, according to Palestinian health officials. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed it hit the vicinity of the Khan Younis facility and said the army chief had ordered an investigation.
Cameraman Hussam al-Masri, a Reuters contractor, was killed near a live-broadcast position on an upper floor of the hospital, officials reported. Witnesses and hospital staff said a second strike soon followed, claiming the lives of more journalists, medics, and rescue workers who had rushed to assist.
Those killed included Mariam Abu Dagga, a freelancer who worked with the Associated Press and other outlets; Mohammed Salama of Al Jazeera; Moaz Abu Taha, a freelance reporter who occasionally contributed to Reuters; and Ahmed Abu Aziz. Reuters photographer Hatem Khaled, also a contractor, was injured.
