The attack hit the upper floors of the hospital. TV teams and other media are reported to have been gathered on the roof to report when Israel launched the attack. The killed journalists are said to have worked for, among others, the news agency Reuters, the news agency AP, and the media company Al Jazeera.
When medical staff rushed to the scene, Israel is said to have attacked again, according to the Israeli Haaretz, citing health authorities in Gaza. At least one healthcare worker is also reported to have been killed.
Unclear goal
In pictures taken immediately after the attack, injured people can be seen inside and outside the hospital – including healthcare and media workers, according to Al Jazeera. In one picture, a man with a camera around his neck stares into space with blood running down his face.
What Israel's goal was in the attack is not immediately clear. The only comment from Israel's military hours later was a source within the air force who said it was not an air force strike, reports The Times of Israel.
International law
An attacking military power should, according to international law, exercise special caution when it comes to hospitals and other healthcare facilities. Media workers should, in addition, be treated and protected in the same way as other civilians in war.
In total, over 200 journalists in Gaza have been killed by Israel since the start of the war. Earlier in August, six Palestinian journalists were killed in a widely condemned Israeli drone attack on a press tent in Gaza City.
