Israeli Airstrike Hits Gaza Hospital, Killing Five Journalists

By: Chioma Madonna Ndukwu

Five Palestinian journalists were killed in an Israeli airstrike on Monday, which targeted a hospital in southern Gaza. According to the Gaza Health Ministry, at least 20 people died in the attack, including the five journalists.

The journalists, who worked for prominent international news outlets such as the Associated Press, Reuters, Al Jazeera, and Middle East Eye, were killed while covering the conflict. Among them were Mohammad Salama from Al Jazeera and Hussam Al-Masri from Reuters.

This attack follows a similar tragedy earlier this month, when five Al Jazeera journalists, including Anas al-Sharif, were killed in an airstrike near al-Shifa Hospital. Israeli forces later claimed that al-Sharif was a Hamas member, though Al Jazeera denied this, and human rights organizations condemned the attack as an unjustified killing of journalists.

The Israeli military confirmed it carried out the recent strike, expressing regret for any harm to innocent civilians. The military also stated that journalists are not deliberately targeted.

The Gaza Health Ministry reported that the hospital was struck in a “double tap” strike, meaning it was hit twice in quick succession. At least one emergency responder was also killed during the attack.

This escalation is part of a broader conflict that has led to staggering casualties. So far, Israel’s airstrikes have killed over 62,000 people and wounded more than 158,000. In addition to the ongoing violence, widespread hunger is intensifying the humanitarian crisis.

In the past 24 hours alone, 11 people have died from starvation, including two children. The Gaza Health Ministry also reported that 300 people, including 117 children, have died due to malnutrition.