In the latest Israeli strike on Gaza, at least 20 people—including five journalists—were martyred at Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis. Among the fallen were Mariam Abu Dagga, Mohammed Salama, Hussam al-Masri, Moaz Abu Taha, and Ahmed Abu Aziz. These targeted attacks continue to silence independent reporting and deepen the humanitarian crisis in the besieged territory.
Deadly Double-Strike at Nasser Hospital
On August 25, 2025, Israeli warplanes struck the Nasser Hospital complex in Khan Younis in two successive “double-tap” strikes. The first attack devastated the hospital’s upper floors—where journalists often stationed themselves for live coverage—while the second strike hit medics, rescuers, and journalists who had rushed to assist at the scene. In total, at least 20 people were martyred, including five journalists, and several more were wounded.
Journalists Killed in the Attack
- Mariam Abu Dagga – A 33-year-old freelance visual journalist who contributed to the Associated Press and other outlets; known for reporting on starving children in Gaza.
- Mohammed Salama – A cameraman for Al Jazeera.
- Hussam al-Masri – A Reuters contractor and photographer operating a live broadcast feed at the hospital.
- Moaz Abu Taha – Freelance journalist who worked with Reuters among others.
- Ahmed Abu Aziz – Journalist associated with Middle East Eye and other outlets, later succumbed to wounds after the strike.
A Calculated Attempt to Muzzle Truth
Mohammed Yassin, head of the Palestinian Journalists Syndicate, condemned these killings as deliberate attempts to “silence the voice of truth and prevent documentation of Israeli crimes.” He criticized the ongoing media siege, noting that journalists continue to report under inhumane conditions—without electricity, internet, or basic protections—even as their homes and families are destroyed. Yassin also exposed Israel’s restriction on foreign press access to Gaza, designed to maintain media blackout and censorship.
Pressing the World for Protection of Journalists
The Palestinian Government Media Office reported that media-related fatalities in Gaza have now surpassed 240 journalists since the war began in October 2023. It urged the international community to intervene—calling for an immediate halt to attacks on journalists and the safe entry of foreign journalists into Gaza to ensure independent coverage and accountability.