Tragic Israeli Airstrikes on Southern Gaza Hospital Claim 19 Lives, Including Journalists, Reports Say

DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip (AP) — A tragic incident unfolded at Nasser Hospital in southern Gaza on Monday when a double missile strike claimed the lives of at least 19 people, including four journalists. The first missile struck the top floor of the hospital. Moments later, as rescue teams rushed to help, a second missile hit the same location.

Among the deceased was 33-year-old Mariam Dagga, a visual journalist for The Associated Press. She often reported on the dire situation in Gaza, including efforts to save starving children. Al Jazeera and Reuters also confirmed their journalists were among the casualties.

Israel’s military acknowledged the strike, indicating it targeted areas near the hospital. They stated they would investigate the incident while expressing regret for the loss of innocent lives, clarifying that journalists should not be targeted.

The attack at Nasser Hospital is one of many that have strained health services amid ongoing conflict. Hospitals in Gaza are overwhelmed with casualties and increasing numbers of malnourished individuals as the region faces severe food shortages. The situation is dire, with many civilians being displaced due to escalating Israeli military actions.

Dr. Ahmed al-Farra, a pediatric department head at Nasser, described the chaos following the attacks. He noted how the first strike hit surgical areas, leading to confusion and fear among patients and staff. Chaos ensued as injured individuals rushed into wards, and medical teams struggled in overcrowded conditions.

The Nasser Hospital, the largest in the south, has faced relentless attacks over the course of 22 months of conflict, leading to critical shortages in medical supplies and personnel. With hospitals being targeted, health care professionals express growing fear for their safety and the wellbeing of their patients. A British doctor working at Nasser highlighted the unsettling reality of hospitals being attacked, emphasizing that these should be safe havens for caregivers.

Such incidents are not isolated. The ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict has already seen high casualties among journalists, with 192 reportedly killed and over 1,500 health workers losing their lives, according to the Committee to Protect Journalists.

The health ministry has reported staggering figures: at least 62,686 Palestinians have died due to the conflict, with an increasing number being women and children. These figures, though disputed by Israel, are considered credible by the United Nations.

Despite repeated claims of targeting militants, Israel has faced criticism for the high civilian toll. Past attacks have also drawn attention, with several incidents noted at Nasser Hospital itself.

In summary, the situation in Gaza remains grim, with ongoing violence impacting both civilians and healthcare services. As the conflict continues, the world watches closely, hoping for a resolution that prioritizes human lives and substitutes chaos with healing. For more detailed reports on the ongoing situation, the Committee to Protect Journalists offers authoritative insights.



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