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According to the Associated Press and Reuters, five journalists were killed when an Israeli strike hit a hospital in southern Gaza.
### Why It Matters
At least 189 Palestinian journalists have been killed in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, as reported by the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ).
### What Happened
On Monday, 20 people died in the strike on Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis. According to Zaher al-Waheidi, head of Gaza’s Hamas-run health ministry’s records department, Mariam Dagga, a freelance visual journalist for the Associated Press, was one of those killed.
Al Jazeera reported that its journalist Mohammad Salama also died in the strike. Reuters contractor Hussam al-Masri and freelance journalist Moaz Abu Taha were among those killed. Hatem Khaled, another Reuters contractor photographer, was wounded in the attack.
### IDF Response
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) stated that their Chief of General Staff has ordered an inquiry into the incident. The IDF claimed it “regrets any harm to uninvolved individuals” and does not target journalists specifically but aims to mitigate harm as much as possible while ensuring troop safety.
### Reactions
Reuters expressed shock and sadness over Dagga’s death, noting that she frequently reported from the hospital and had covered starving and malnourished children in Gaza. The IDF acknowledged its regret for any civilian casualties and promised to investigate the incident.
The Committee to Project Journalists condemned the killings, calling on Israel to end such attacks against journalists and hold perpetrators accountable.
### What Comes Next
Efforts to reach a peace deal or ceasefire between Israel and Hamas remain unsuccessful. Newsweek contacted several parties including the IDF, Israel’s Ministry of Defense, Reuters, and Al Jazeera for further comments.
#### Update: 8/25/2025 1:30 p.m. ET
This article was updated with additional information.
