Background on Key Figures and Context
On Monday, Israeli attacks on the Nasser Hospital in Gaza resulted in the death of at least 15 individuals, including four journalists. Among them was Hussam al-Masri, a Reuters contractor, who perished in the first attack. Hatem Khaled, another Reuters contractor and photographer, sustained injuries during a subsequent attack on the hospital.
The journalists identified as deceased are Mariam Abu Dagga, who worked independently for various agencies including the Associated Press since the conflict began; Mohammed Salama, an Al Jazeera correspondent; and Moaz Abu Taha. The attack also claimed the life of a medical responder.
The Palestinian Journalists Syndicate strongly condemned the attacks, stating that they represent “an open war against free media” with the intent to intimidate journalists and hinder their professional duty of exposing Israeli crimes to the world.
Since the conflict started on October 7, 2023, over 240 Palestinian journalists have been killed by Israeli fire in Gaza, according to the Palestinian Journalists Syndicate.
Details of the Attacks
- More than 240 Palestinian journalists have died from Israeli fire in Gaza since the conflict began on October 7, 2023.
- On Monday, Israeli attacks on the Nasser Hospital resulted in at least 15 fatalities, including four journalists.
- The first attack killed Hussam al-Masri, a Reuters contractor and videographer.
- The second attack injured Hatem Khaled, another Reuters contractor and photographer.
- The attacks occurred as medical personnel, journalists, and others rushed to the scene of the initial attack.
- Reuters’ live video feed from the hospital, managed by Masri, was abruptly cut off during the first attack.
Reactions and Calls for Assistance
A Reuters spokesperson released a statement expressing grief over the death of Hussam al-Masri and the injuries sustained by Hatem Khaled. They urgently sought more information and requested assistance from Gaza and Israeli authorities to provide medical care for Khaled.
The Israeli military and the office of the Prime Minister did not immediately comment on the attacks.
Palestinian Journalists Syndicate’s Condemnation
The Palestinian Journalists Syndicate condemned Israel for these attacks, stating that they constitute “an open war against free media” aimed at intimidating journalists and preventing them from fulfilling their professional duty of exposing Israeli crimes to the world.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who were the journalists killed or injured in the attacks? The deceased journalists are Mariam Abu Dagga, Mohammed Salama, and Moaz Abu Taha. Hussam al-Masri was killed, and Hatem Khaled was injured.
- What is the Palestinian Journalists Syndicate’s stance on these attacks? The Syndicate strongly condemns the attacks, viewing them as an “open war against free media” intended to intimidate journalists and hinder their professional duty of exposing Israeli crimes.
- How many Palestinian journalists have died since the conflict began? Over 240 Palestinian journalists have been killed by Israeli fire in Gaza since October 7, 2023.
- What was the nature of the attacks on Nasser Hospital? The attacks occurred as medical personnel, journalists, and others rushed to the scene of the initial attack. The live video feed from Reuters was cut off during the first attack.
- What reactions have been expressed by media organizations? Reuters released a statement expressing grief and urgently seeking more information. The Israeli military and Prime Minister’s office have not yet commented on the attacks.
