At least 19 killed in double-tap strike on Gaza hospital, including four journalists

GAZA — An Israeli strike on Nasser Medical Complex in southern Gaza on Monday resulted in at least 19 fatalities, including four journalists, according to Gaza health authorities. The deceased were identified as Al Jazeera cameraman Mohammed Salama, Reuters photojournalist Hussam al-Masri, freelancer Mariam Abu Dagga, and Moaz Abu Taha. The Palestine Health Ministry confirmed the toll.

Eyewitnesses described a double-tap strike targeting the hospital's fourth floor—one missile struck initially, followed by another just as rescue teams began to respond. Among the wounded was Reuters photographer Hatem Khaled, who was injured during the follow-up blast.

The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) acknowledged conducting a strike "in the area of Nasser Hospital" but emphasised it does not specifically target journalists and said a preliminary investigation is underway.

This strike intensifies mounting casualties among media professionals. The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) reports 192 journalists and media workers have died in Gaza since the start of the conflict in October 2023—making it the deadliest modern conflict for the press.

Meanwhile, overall Palestinian fatalities in the war have surpassed 62,000, according to Gaza health authorities.

(Source: Reuters, Al Jazeera, AP, and the Guardian reporting)