News Today: Israeli double strike Gaza hospital journalists killed, raising global outrage and calls for ceasefire

At least 20 people, including five journalists, were killed in an Israeli double strike on Nasser Hospital in Khan Yunis, southern Gaza, according to the territory’s Hamas-run health ministry.

The journalists, who had been working with international outlets including Reuters, AP, Al Jazeera, and Middle East Eye, were confirmed dead by their respective organizations. Among the victims were Reuters cameraman Husam al-Masri, AP freelancer Mariam Dagga, Al Jazeera’s Mohammad Salama, and freelancer Ahmed Abu Aziz of Middle East Eye. Photographer Moaz Abu Taha, who had worked with multiple agencies, was also killed.

Four health workers also lost their lives, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Video footage from the scene shows rescuers responding to the first strike when a second strike directly hit them, causing further devastation.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called the incident a “tragic mishap” and said that a thorough investigation was underway.

The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) confirmed that the conflict in Gaza has become the deadliest war for journalists ever documented, with nearly 200 media workers killed since October 2023.

The attack sparked swift international condemnation. UN Secretary General António Guterres described the killings as “horrific” and called for a prompt, impartial investigation along with an immediate ceasefire. Philippe Lazzarini, UNRWA’s Commissioner-General, condemned the silencing of journalists in Gaza, while UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy and French President Emmanuel Macron expressed outrage at the attack.

This strike comes just two weeks after another Israeli attack near al-Shifa Hospital that killed six journalists, including four from Al Jazeera.

The Gaza health ministry reported that 58 people were killed in Israeli attacks over the past day, including 28 at food aid distribution sites. Hospitals also confirmed 11 deaths from malnutrition, including children, bringing the total to 300 starvation-related deaths since the conflict began.

The war, triggered by the Hamas-led attack on Israel on 7 October 2023, continues to exact a devastating toll, with over 62,744 Palestinians killed in Israeli strikes, according to figures considered reliable by the UN.