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.
At least five media workers were killed. They are photojournalists Hussam al-Masri and Mohammed Salah, working for the news agency Reuters and Al Jazeera, respectively, as well as journalists Mariam Abu Dagga, Ahmad Abu Aziz and Moaz Abu Taha.
Abu Dagga had freelanced for the American AP since the outbreak of war in 2023, confirms the news agency. She had, among other things, reported on doctors at Nasser Hospital who are fighting to save malnourished children. In a statement, AP expresses shock and sadness over her death.
Reuters says they are devastated by Hussam al-Masri's death.
Sveriges Radio reports that one of their employees in Gaza, Baraa Lafi, was injured.
"Barbaric"
When medical staff rushed to the scene, Israel is said to have attacked again, reports Israeli Haaretz, citing health authorities in Gaza. At least one healthcare worker is also reported to have been killed.
It's barbaric on the same level as other things I've seen in Gaza over the past 22 months, says surgeon Nick Maynard, who worked at Nasser Hospital during the war, to Sky News.
In images taken shortly after the attack, injured people can be seen inside and outside the hospital – including healthcare and media workers, according to Al Jazeera. In one image, a man with a camera around his neck stares out into space with blood running down his face.
The attack has been condemned by a long list of countries and organizations.
"The killing of journalists in Gaza should shock the world, not lead to a stunned silence but to action and demands for consequences and justice," says Ravina Shamdasani, spokesperson for the UN Human Rights Council.
Israel confirms
Israel's military (IDF) confirms the attack on Khan Yunis, reports Haaretz. What the target of the attack was is not immediately clear.
According to the military, the attack will be investigated. Similar Israeli investigations have, however, very rarely led to any conclusions or consequences during the war.
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.
