Five Palestinian journalists lost their lives on Monday during an Israeli attack on Nasser Hospital in Khan Yunis, in southern Gaza, while covering the ongoing military operations, local and international media report.
Hossam al-Masri, reporting live for Reuters, was killed when the broadcast suddenly cut off during the attack. Four other journalists were also killed: Moaz Abu Taha, reporter; Mohammed Salama, photojournalist for Al Jazeera; Mariam Abu Daqa, a freelance journalist who collaborated with outlets including Associated Press and Independent Arabic; and Ahmad Abu Aziz, who worked with both Palestinian and international media.
Reuters confirmed the death of al-Masri and reported that another journalist, Hatem Khaled, was injured. Al Jazeera confirmed Salama’s death in the same attack. Mariam Abu Daqa, 33, had been an active voice on social media, documenting the war in Gaza through photos, videos, and interviews, and was known for reporting from Nasser Hospital.
According to media reports, other journalists and photographers, including Hatem Omar (Reuters) and Jamal Badah (Palestine Today), were also injured during the attack.
The Palestinian Journalists Syndicate strongly condemned the incident, calling it “a new massacre by the Israeli military targeting the press, aimed at silencing witnesses and suppressing free reporting.”
This tragic event adds to the growing number of media personnel killed in Gaza, now totaling more than 244 journalists and media workers, highlighting the severe risks faced by those reporting from the region where international journalists are still largely restricted.
