Gaza hospital bombing: global outrage, Israeli indifference

Israel bombed the main hospital in southern Gaza on Monday and then struck the same spot again as rescuers and nearby journalists rushed to help the wounded. The strikes killed at least 20 people, including five journalists, according to Gazan health officials.

The first strike hit the top floor of a building at Nasser Hospital, killing Reuters journalist Hussam al-Masri and others. Journalists and rescuers then rushed to the scene, where a second bomb struck the same spot 15 minutes later.

A live video from Al Ghad TV captured the moments of the killings, showing civil defence workers in bright orange vests and journalists raising their hands to shield themselves seconds before the second bomb hit. A second video showed the aftermath, with the bodies of first responders and journalists lying on top of one another, bloody and covered in dust.

According to Hamas’ government-run Ministry of Communications, the journalists killed were Hussam al-Masri, a Reuters photographer in Gaza; Muhammad Salama, a photographer for Al Jazeera; Moaz Abu Taha; and independent journalist Mariam Abu Daka, who had more than 200,000 Instagram followers. The ministry said they were killed while covering events at the hospital. Sources in Gaza reported that two additional strikes followed in the same area as civil defence teams were evacuating victims from the first explosion.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a statement in English calling the strike a “tragic mishap”. He said Israel “deeply regrets” the loss of life, values the work of journalists and medical staff, and is conducting a “thorough investigation”. He added: “Our war is with Hamas terrorists. Our just goals are defeating Hamas and bringing our hostages home.”