The Israeli military started a massive air assault on the Nasser medical complex in Khan Younis. His inflammatory action resulted in the killings of 20 Palestinians, five of whom were journalists. These attacks, coordinated back-to-back, came at a shocking frequency. This has led to critical questions surrounding the military’s targeting choices and civilians’ security on the ground.
The opening strike hit the hospital, which over the course of previous and continuing wars had served as a sanctuary for all. A second strike quickly followed, striking the complex and further aggravating the situation. Tragically, this second attack caused even more civilian deaths, including rescue workers and journalists who were reporting on the first incident. This double-tap tactic has received national outrage and condemnation, spurring calls for accountability.
Details of the Airstrikes
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) later claimed that their troops shot at a moving news camera. They thought that Hamas had set up the camera to help plan their attacks. The military has never shared any concrete evidence to back up this claim. Hussam al-Masri, a contract camera operator for Reuters, was one of those killed. He had been shot fatally as he was filming from a landing.
“It appears that Golani Brigade troops … identified a camera that was positioned by Hamas in the area of the Nasser Hospital that was being used to observe the activity of IDF troops, in order to direct terrorist activities against them,” – The IDF
Nonetheless, the airstrikes caused widespread outrage, especially because they targeted a hospital. Medical facilities are afforded special protection under international law. The second strike was the most concerning. All of this happened as reporters were filming live on the ground in response to the first attack.
Impact on Journalists and Civilian Safety
The increase in loss of life among journalists has been deeply unsettling both to media professionals and to human rights advocates. Thameen Al-Kheetan, a prominent figure in press freedom advocacy, expressed profound concern over the implications of such attacks on journalistic integrity and safety.
“The killing of journalists in Gaza should shock the world, not into stunned silence, but into action demanding accountability and justice,” – Thameen Al-Kheetan
Al-Kheetan further underscored the seriousness of targeting media professionals and health institutions. He stated, “Targeting journalists is forbidden, but targeting hospitals is forbidden.” This restatement of widely accepted international laws underscores the dire nature of this conflict. These actions must be taken immediately in order to protect civilians and war reporters in areas of active conflict.
Ongoing Investigations and Calls for Accountability
Even the Israeli military stated that an investigation into the airstrikes is still ongoing. IDF Chief Eyal Zamir asked for additional clarification on “a number of deficiencies” in the investigation procedure. The military may want to look at the authorization process before the strikes occurred and decision-making procedures in the field.
“Firstly, a further examination of the authorization process prior to the strike, including the ammunition approved for the strike and the timing of the authorization,” – The military
“Secondly, an examination of the decision-making process in the field,” – The military
Even with these assurances, there is great skepticism as to whether any real action will come out of previous investigations into similar incidents. Al-Kheetan then focused on Israel’s recent pledge to investigate the killings of journalists. These questions usually miss the mark and come back with unsatisfactory or unequivocal results.
“The Israeli authorities have in the past announced investigations in such killings — it’s, of course, the responsibility of Israel as the occupying power to investigate, but these investigations need to yield results,” – Thameen Al-Kheetan
