Israel kills at least four journalists in Gaza hospital strike, CPJ condemns targeting of press

Israel killed at least four journalists in Nasser Hospital on Monday morning, according to the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ).

“Israel’s broadcasted killing of journalists in Gaza continues while the world watches and fails to act firmly on the most horrific attacks the press has ever faced in recent history,” said CPJ’s Regional Director, Sara Qudah. “These murders must end now. The perpetrators must no longer be allowed to act with impunity.”

The journalists killed have been identified as:

• Hussam Al-Masri, Reuters contractor
• Mohammed Salama, Al Jazeera camera operator
• Mariam Abu Dagga, freelance photojournalist
• Moaz Abu Taha, freelance video journalist

CPJ stated that it is also investigating reports of a possible fifth journalist killed in the same strike.

The international press community expressed outrage over what they called an “unlawful and deliberate targeting” of the press. Rights groups are urging the international community to hold Israel accountable for what they describe as repeated violations of international law.

Conflicting reports emerged about the scale of the casualties:

The Associated Press (AP) reported: “Four journalists, including a freelancer who worked with AP, are among eight killed by an Israeli strike on southern Gaza's Nasser Hospital.”

Reuters cited Palestinian health officials saying: “Israeli strikes on Nasser Hospital in Gaza killed at least 15 people, including three journalists, one of whom worked for Reuters.”

The attack marks one of the deadliest incidents for journalists in Gaza since the start of the war.

--Published by WMF News