CPJ Demands Independent Probe into the Killing of Five Journalists in Gaza Hospital Strike

August 29, 2025 – Palestine – 

Two successive Israeli strikes hit Nasser Hospital in Khan Yunis, Gaza, killing at least 20 people, among them five journalists—Reuters contractor Hussam al‑Masri, Al Jazeera’s Mohammed Salama, AP freelancer Mariam Abu Dagga, freelance video journalist Moaz Abu Taha, and reporter Ahmed Abu Aziz. Human rights groups and legal experts condemned the “double tap” nature of the strikes—targeting the hospital then striking again as first responders and journalists arrived—as a serious violation of international law.

The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) urgently called for a complete and independent investigation into the killings. CPJ criticized Israel’s initial military report, which speculated the target was a “Hamas camera” and identified six “terrorists,” none of whom were among the journalists killed. CPJ CEO Jodie Ginsberg stated the report “leaves many more questions than answers” and noted there is still no explanation for why Israeli forces fired upon Reuters camera operator Hussam al‑Masri, who had broadcast daily from that specific position.

CPJ Regional Director Sara Qudah emphasized the alarming pattern of impunity, observing that in 24 years, no one in Israel has ever been held accountable for the killing of a journalist. CPJ strongly condemned the strikes as emblematic of “broadcasted killing” of journalists and called on the international community to hold Israel accountable.

This devastating incident not only marks one of the deadliest single-day attacks on press workers in the conflict but also intensifies global concerns over the erosion of press freedoms in Gaza. With more journalists killed in this war than in many modern conflicts combined, the demand for transparency and justice has never been more urgent.

Reference – 

https://www.liberainformazione.org/2025/08/29/cpj-demands-a-complete-investigation-into-israels-killing-of-5-journalists-at-nasser-hospital/

https://www.arabnews.com/node/2613352/amp

CPJ demands a complete investigation into Israel’s killing of 5 journalists at Nasser Hospital