Date: August 26, 2025
Location: Nasser Hospital, Khan Younis, Gaza Strip
In a devastating sequence of events on Monday, August 25, 2025, Israeli forces struck Nasser Hospital—the largest functioning hospital in southern Gaza—twice in a so-called “double-tap” attack. The first strike hit the hospital’s upper floor. As journalists, rescue workers, and medics rushed to assist the wounded, a second strike struck the same area, resulting in catastrophic loss of life. In total, at least 20 people were killed, including five journalists, and dozens were injured. ReutersThe Washington PostWikipedia
Journalists Among the Victims
The five journalists killed in the assault were:
- Hussam al-Masri, photojournalist and contractor for Reuters
- Mariam Abu Dagga, freelance visual journalist for the Associated Press
- Mohammed Salama, cameraman for Al Jazeera
- Moaz Abu Taha, freelance video journalist (occasionally contributed to Reuters)
- Ahmed Abu Aziz, correspondent for Middle East Eye and Quds Feed Network ReutersCommittee to Protect JournalistsAl JazeeraWikipedia
These journalists were fatally wounded either in the initial strike (al-Masri) or during the second when they had gathered to cover or assist at the scene. ReutersThe Washington PostCommittee to Protect Journalists
Official Responses and Reactions
From Israel:
- Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described the incident as a “tragic mishap” and expressed deep regret. Reuters+1
- The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) stated that an initial investigation revealed the presence of a Hamas surveillance camera in the vicinity, asserting the strike targeted that equipment. CBS NewsReuters
- The IDF also pledged to investigate further while maintaining that it does not intentionally target journalists. The Times of IndiaReuters
International and UN Response:
- The United Nations demanded that Israel’s investigation into the “double-tap” strike be credible and transparent, emphasizing that there must be justice and accountability. The Guardian+1
- Media organizations—including Reuters, AP, and Al Jazeera—issued statements mourning their fallen colleagues and called for accountability. The Guardian+1
