In Israel's double attack on Monday, employees of several international media companies and news agencies, including AP and Reuters, were killed and injured. In a joint letter to Israeli officials, the agencies are demanding an explanation, reports Haaretz.
"We are outraged that independent journalists were among the victims of the attack on the hospital, a place that is protected under international law", they write and demand immediate accountability.
The UN is demanding an investigation that leads to consequences and justice.
These journalists are the eyes and ears of the whole world and they must be protected, says Thameen al-Kheetan, spokesperson for the UN human rights organization OHCHR, to reporters in Geneva according to AFP.
Swede injured
Nasser Hospital in Khan Yunis was attacked on Monday morning in two rounds. After the first Israeli attack, medical staff and journalists rushed to the scene – and then it exploded again.
At least 20 people were killed and another 50 injured. A total of five journalists were killed, including AP's Palestinian employee Mariam Abu Dagga and Reuters' Hussam al-Masri.
Another journalist hired by Reuters, Hatem Khaled, was injured. Also among the injured is Sveriges Radio's employee in Gaza, the Swedish citizen Baraa Lafi.
Can constitute war crime
Israel has not provided any official explanation for the attack. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has called it "a tragic accident", while governments and UN agencies have reacted with anger.
"It is unacceptable that journalists are injured and killed in the line of duty", wrote Sweden's Foreign Minister Maria Malmer Stenergard (M) to TT on Monday.
The attack can constitute a war crime, according to several analysts and international law experts. Medical staff and media workers are, like all civilians, protected under international law. An attacking military power is also obliged to exercise special caution when it comes to hospitals and other healthcare facilities.
In Israel's attack on Nasser Hospital on August 25, five journalists were killed:
Ahmed Abu Aziz, worked as a freelancer for the British-based news site Middle East Eye.
Hussam al-Masri, worked as a cameraman for the news agency Reuters.
Mariam Abu Dagga, freelanced for the news agency Associated Press (AP).
Mohammed Salama, worked for the Qatar-based media company Al Jazeera and Middle East Eye.
Moaz Abu Taha, freelance photographer whose pictures have been published by Reuters, among others.
