Deadly Strike on Gaza Hospital Adds to Rising Toll on Journalists

Khan Younis, Gaza —On August 25, 2025, Israel conducted two successive airstrikes on the Nasser Medical Complex in southern Gaza’s Khan Younis, killing at least 22 people, including five journalists. The strikes hit the hospital’s fourth floor and stairwell, according to Gaza health officials and hospital staff. 

The first Israeli strike hit near a live-broadcast position, killing Reuters contractor Hussam al-Masri. Minutes later, a second strike hit rescuers, medics, and journalists responding to the initial damage. Among those killed were Mariam Abu Dagga (AP freelancer), Mohammed Salama (Al Jazeera), Moaz Abu Taha, and Ahmed Abu Aziz. Reuters photographer Hatem Khaled was wounded.

The Gaza Government Media Office confirmed the double-tap strike, a tactic involving two near-simultaneous hits that endanger rescuers and journalists. 

Reactions to the Attack

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called the incident a “tragic mishap” and expressed regret. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced it will conduct an internal inquiry, stating that journalists were not deliberate targets and that it seeks to minimize harm to civilians. 

International reaction followed quickly. The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), media organizations, and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation condemned the attack and called for accountability. Officials from Germany and the United Kingdom demanded an independent investigation, emphasizing protection for medical staff and press freedom. U.S. President Donald Trump said he was “not happy” about the strike. 

This was one of the deadliest attacks on journalists in the Gaza conflict. Since October 2023, more than 240 Palestinian journalists have been killed, according to press freedom groups. The figure highlights concerns over journalist safety amid Israel’s ban on foreign reporters entering Gaza.

Alarming Trend in Attacks on Journalists

Earlier this month, Al Jazeera correspondent Anas al-Sharif and four colleagues were killed in an Israeli strike on a media tent outside Al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City. Israel alleged he was a Hamas operative, a claim denied by press groups and international watchdogs.

With Gaza hospitals already near collapse, the Nasser strike deepens fears for both civilians and journalists. As medical workers treat the wounded and reporters try to cover the war, the threat of being targeted continues to grow.