Israeli strikes on Gaza's Nasser Hospital have killed at least 20 people, including five journalists from major international news organisations. The attack on one of Gaza's main medical facilities has prompted widespread international condemnation.
Foreign Secretary David Lammy said he was "horrified" by the attack on the hospital in Khan Younis. He wrote on social media: "Civilians, healthcare workers and journalists must be protected. We need an immediate ceasefire."
The strike followed a documented double-tap attack pattern. The first missile hit a building at the hospital site, prompting journalists and rescue workers to rush to the scene before a second missile struck as emergency responders were present.
The journalists killed included staff from Reuters, Al Jazeera, The Associated Press and UK-based Middle East Eye. The second strike was broadcast live on television as it happened.
International response
US President Donald Trump said he was "not happy" about the hospital attack when questioned by reporters at the White House. The Israeli military said it was investigating the strikes and "regrets any harm to uninvolved individuals and does not target journalists as such".
The World Health Organisation reported 50 additional people were injured in the attack, including critically ill patients already under treatment. Professor Nick Maynard, who previously worked at the hospital, called the attack "barbarism in the extreme".
Systematic targeting concerns
Two weeks ago, an Israeli strike on Gaza City killed six journalists. The Israeli Defence Forces claimed they targeted an Al Jazeera reporter they alleged was a Hamas cell leader, but the Committee to Protect Journalists said Israel failed to provide evidence for its allegations.
According to the Independent and Express, more than 240 Palestinian journalists have been killed since October 2023, making this conflict the deadliest for media workers. The Guardian reports that double-tap strikes have become a routine Israeli military tactic, with journalists often staying near hospitals hoping for protection and electricity for their equipment.
Sources used: "PA Media", "The Guardian", "Independent", "Express", "Evening Standard", "Reuters", "Al Jazeera", "Associated Press", "Middle East Eye" Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
