Israel carried out a double airstrike on Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis, southern Gaza, on August 25, 2025, killing at least 20 people, including families, patients, and five journalists covering the area.
The second strike hit minutes after the first, as rescue teams and reporters approached to assist, prompting immediate international condemnation and strong accusations of “double tap” practices. Among the journalists killed were well-known professionals: Mariam Abu Dagga (freelance photojournalist for Associated Press), Hussam al-Masri (Reuters cameraman), Mohammed Salama (Al Jazeera), Ahmed Abu Aziz (Quds Feed Network and Middle East Eye), and Moaz Abu Taha (photographer also linked to Middle East Eye).
The Israeli government, through Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, expressed its “deep regret” and described the incident as a “tragic mistake,” insisting there was no intention to target journalists, while announcing the launch of an official investigation into the strike.
Press freedom groups such as the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) and the Media Freedom Coalition, together with 27 allied countries, condemned the attack and demanded free access for international media to Gaza, as well as accountability for this and other assaults on members of the press.
This attack adds to an unprecedented escalation of violence against journalists in the Gaza conflict: since the start of the war, more than 190 media workers have been killed, making it one of the most dangerous environments for journalism in decades.
The hospital setting, already strained by war and severe shortages of resources, has been further devastated, as the international community intensifies its condemnation and calls for journalists to be protected under international humanitarian law.
