Civil defence spokesman Mahmud Bassal said “the toll so far is 20 martyrs, including five journalists and one member of the civil defence”, after strikes hit Khan Yunis’s Nasser Hospital — a large medical complex that has been targeted several times by Israel since the start of the war.

According to the International Federation of Journalists, at least 195 journalists and media workers have been killed in the Hamas-Gaza conflict since October 2023. Source: SBS News

In a statement, the Israeli military said its troops had “carried out a strike in the area of Nasser Hospital”.

“Israel values the work of journalists, medical staff, and all civilians,” he added.

Who were the journalists killed in the Nasser Hospital attack?

“We are urgently seeking more information and have asked authorities in Gaza and Israel to help us get urgent medical assistance for Hatem” the statement added.

The Associated Press said in a statement that it was “shocked and saddened” to learn of the death of Mariam Dagga, 33, who had freelanced for the agency since the start of the war.

Later on Monday, a sixth journalist, Hassan Douhan, was killed by Israeli fire in the Al-Mawasi area of Khan Yunis, according to the Palestinian Journalists Syndicate and Nasser Hospital.

Double strike: How the attack unfolded

The World Health Organization said the hospital’s emergency department, inpatient ward, and surgical unit was hit.

“We will not stop walking this path, and the coverage will continue, God willing,” said Masri’s brother Mahmoud.

‘Outraged and in shock’