Israeli Strikes on Gaza Hospital Kill Five Journalists, Including a Freelance AP Photographer

Strategic Insights -

Israeli military strikes on a hospital in southern Gaza killed five journalists, including a freelance photographer for The Associated Press, on Monday. Mariam Dagga, 33, was among those killed in the strikes that targeted Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis. Dagga had been reporting for AP and other news outlets on the impact of the war on children in Gaza, including a recent series of harrowing images showing malnourished children being treated at the hospital.

Dagga was a visual journalist who had been working in Gaza since the start of the war. She was known for her bravery and dedication to telling the stories of ordinary Palestinians facing extraordinary challenges. Her work had won an internal AP award, and she had also contributed to coverage for other news organizations.

The Israeli military said the strike was a "tragic mishap" and that it was investigating the incident. However, the press freedom organization Reporters Without Borders called for an emergency UN Security Council meeting to examine Israel's failure to uphold the UN resolution protecting independent journalists in times of conflict.

Key Takeaways:

  • Five journalists were killed in Israeli military strikes on Nasser Hospital in Gaza, including a freelance photographer for The Associated Press named Mariam Dagga.
  • Dagga, 33, had been working in Gaza since the start of the war and had won an internal AP award for her recent coverage of malnourished children in the region.
  • The Israeli military said the strike was a "tragic mishap" and that it was investigating the incident, but Reporters Without Borders called for an emergency UN Security Council meeting to examine Israel's failure to protect journalists.
  • Dagga was known for her bravery and dedication to telling the stories of ordinary Palestinians facing extraordinary challenges in Gaza.
  • At least 20 people were killed in the strikes on the hospital, according to health officials cited by the Gaza Health Ministry.
  • The Committee to Protect Journalists said that 189 Palestinian journalists had been killed by Israeli fire in Gaza since the start of the 22-month conflict.
  • The CPJ also reported that 18 journalists had been killed so far in Russia's war in Ukraine.
  • The Israeli military asserts that it does not target journalists, but its investigations into allegations of war crimes have rarely ensured accountability.

Statistics:

  • 5 journalists were killed in Israeli military strikes on Nasser Hospital in Gaza.
  • 20 people were killed in the strikes on the hospital, according to health officials.
  • 189 Palestinian journalists have been killed by Israeli fire in Gaza since the start of the 22-month conflict.
  • 18 journalists have been killed so far in Russia's war in Ukraine.
  • The Israeli military has said it "regrets any harm to uninvolved individuals and does not target journalists as such."

Sources:

  • Associated Press: "Israeli strikes on Gaza hospital kill 5 journalists, including AP photographer"
  • Reporters Without Borders: "Israel's killing of journalists in Gaza continues while the world watches and fails to act"
  • Committee to Protect Journalists: "Israel's attack on Gaza hospital kills 5 journalists, including 2 with AP and Reuters"
  • Al Jazeera: "Ten journalists killed in Gaza hospital strike, including AP photographer Mariam Dagga"