New York, August 25, 2025 — At least five journalists were killed on Monday morning when Israeli forces struck Nasser Hospital in Khan Yunis, southern Gaza, according to the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ). The attack, which also killed more than a dozen others and injured multiple media workers, is the latest in a pattern of deadly assaults on the press in the ongoing Israel-Gaza war.
The journalists killed include Hussam Al-Masri, a Reuters contractor; Mohammed Salama, a camera operator for Al Jazeera; Mariam Abu Dagga, a freelance photojournalist who contributed to Independent Arabia and the Associated Press; Ahmed Abu Aziz, a freelance journalist with Quds Feed; and Moaz Abu Taha, a freelance video journalist. Al-Masri was killed in the initial strike, while the others were targeted as they reported on the aftermath of the first bombing.
Journalists Jamal Baddah (Palestine Today TV), Hatem Khaled (Reuters), and Mohammed Fayeq, a freelance photographer, were injured in the attack.
“Israel killed at least five journalists in Nasser Hospital on Monday morning. Israel’s broadcasted killing of journalists in Gaza continues while the world watches and fails to act firmly on the most horrific attacks the press has ever faced in recent history,” said Sara Qudah, CPJ’s regional director, in a statement. “These murders must end now. The perpetrators must no longer be allowed to act with impunity.”
According to CPJ, at least 197 journalists and media workers have been killed since the war began, including 189 Palestinians.
Israel’s Israel Hayom reported that military officials justified the strike by claiming Hamas had placed a camera on the hospital roof to monitor Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) activity. Reuters confirmed that its live feed from the hospital, operated by Al-Masri, cut off abruptly at the moment of the first strike.
The IDF did not immediately respond to CPJ’s request for comment. On social media, IDF spokesperson Avichay Adraee said Chief of Staff General Eyal Zamir had ordered an investigation and expressed “regret” for civilian casualties, adding that the army “does not target journalists as such.”
The Nasser Hospital attack underscores the extraordinary dangers faced by Palestinian journalists, who continue to bear the brunt of Israel’s military campaign.