In a recent devastating event, five journalists were reported killed during an Israeli airstrike on Nasser Hospital in Southern Gaza. The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) has vehemently condemned the attack, urging the global community to address these unlawful acts without impunity. CPJ's Regional Director, Sara Qudah, criticized the ongoing violence, stating, "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."

The fatal incident unfolded when a "double strike" targeted the hospital. Hussam Al-Masri, a journalist, was killed while documenting from the hospital roof for Reuters. Following the first strike, as press members and medical workers converged to assist, a second strike occurred approximately ten minutes later. This subsequent attack resulted in the deaths of an additional 20 individuals, including more journalists, medical staff, and civilians, while injuring 50 others.

Live footage captured by Al-Ghad TV showed the harrowing moments when journalists and medical personnel were struck on the hospital staircase. This marks the second occurrence this month of journalists being fatally targeted, following a prior incident involving Al-Jazeera journalists on August 10.

The United Nations Human Rights Office's spokesperson, Thameen Al-Kheetan, emphasized the necessity for global action, stating that these attacks should "shock the world, not into stunned silence, but into action, demanding accountability and justice." Furthermore, UN Secretary-General António Guterres highlighted the extreme dangers faced by journalists and medical personnel in conflict zones, describing the killings as horrific.

The World Health Organization has also condemned the targeted attacks on Gaza’s healthcare facilities. Meanwhile, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) issued a statement expressing regret for any harm to non-combatants, clarifying that their operations aim to minimize civilian casualties while ensuring the security of their forces.

According to CPJ, the conflict has seen a staggering number of journalist casualties, with at least 197 journalists and media workers killed since the onset of the war, 189 of whom were Palestinians killed by Israeli actions in Gaza.

The targeting of hospitals, healthcare workers, civilians, and the press stands as a violation of the Fourth Geneva Convention 1949 and its additional protocols, which ensure protection for civilians, medical personnel, and journalists during times of war.

This tragic event underscores the ongoing dangers faced by journalists and healthcare workers in conflict zones and raises pressing questions about the adherence to international humanitarian law.