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September 25, 2025 – General –
Over a month after an Israeli strike hit Gaza’s Nasser Hospital and killed five journalists, the Associated Press (AP) and Reuters are renewing their call for a transparent account from the Israeli authorities. The two media agencies issued a joint statement demanding clarity and accountability, emphasizing that the journalists were present in a location protected under international law and were performing essential reporting duties.
The strike, which occurred on August 25, 2025, in Khan Younis, came in two waves. The initial attack hit a newsroom position, interrupting a live video feed operated by Reuters cameraman Hussam al-Masri, who was killed in the blast. Moments later, as medics and journalists rushed to the scene, a second strike struck again—claiming more lives, including four additional journalists and many bystanders. In total, 22 people died, including the five journalists.
Among those killed were:
- Mariam Abu Dagga, a freelance visual journalist affiliated with AP
- Hussam al-Masri, Reuters cameraman
- Moaz Abu Taha, a freelance journalist whose work appeared in Reuters reporting
- Ahmed Abu Aziz, a freelance correspondent for Middle East Eye and Quds News Network
- Mohammed Salama, a cameraman for Al Jazeera
In their statement, AP and Reuters declared that such an attack demands “a prompt and clear explanation, followed by accountability and concrete actions to ensure such attacks are never repeated.” They also reminded that Israel maintains a near-complete ban on foreign press in Gaza, forcing Palestinian reporters to bear the heaviest burden of coverage under extreme danger.
Israeli military officials have responded by stating internal investigations are underway. However, they maintain that the journalists were not deliberate targets. Critics argue that Israel has yet to supply any credible evidence to support its claims—especially regarding its assertion that it struck a Hamas surveillance device at the hospital. The lack of transparency has fueled accusations that the incident may amount to a war crime, especially given the violations of protocol, such as the absence of a warning before striking a medical facility.
With over 239 journalists reportedly killed in Gaza since the war began, the AP and Reuters demand is more than a call for closure—it is a demand to protect the role of journalism in conflict zones, ensure accountability, and prevent future loss of life.
Reference –
Reuters, AP press Israel for answers a month after Gaza hospital strike killed journalists
https://apnews.com/article/media-israel-gaza-press-deaths-9480fbada27a4ad15f4cde5b5cec7cb1
