International Outcry as Israel Accused of Targeting Civilians and Journalists

Global Outcry After Israeli Strikes Kill Civilians and Journalists in Gaza

World leaders and press freedom groups have condemned an Israeli airstrike on Gaza’s Nasser Medical Complex that killed at least 20 people, including five journalists working for Reuters, Associated Press, Al Jazeera, and other outlets.

Details of the Attack

Gaza authorities reported that Monday’s strike on the Khan Younis hospital targeted the “Al-Yassin” emergency floor, killing photojournalist Hussam Al Masri (Reuters), Mariam Abu Daqqa (The Independent Arabic, AP), Ahmed Abu Aziz (Quds Feed Network), Mohammed Salama (Al Jazeera), and Moaz Abu Taha (Reuters contributor). A firefighter was also among the casualties.

According to Anadolu Agency, Israeli forces carried out two airstrikes on the fourth floor of the hospital building, the second hitting as rescue teams arrived. Another journalist, Hassan Douhan, was shot dead in Khan Younis, raising the total number of reporters killed by Israeli forces since October 2023 to 246.

International Reactions

• Türkiye: President Recep Tayyip Erdogan condemned the strike, accusing Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu’s government of relentless brutality. The Turkish presidential communications office called the attack “an assault on press freedom and another war crime.”
• United States: President Donald Trump expressed concern, saying, “I’m not happy about it. I don’t want to see it.”
• United Kingdom: Foreign Secretary David Lammy described the attack as “horrifying” and called for an immediate ceasefire to protect civilians, healthcare workers, and journalists.
• Spain: The Spanish government denounced the strike as a “flagrant” violation of humanitarian law that killed journalists and civilians.
• Germany: Officials expressed shock over the deaths and called for investigations and protection for media workers in Gaza.
• Italy: Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani stressed the safety of journalists and reaffirmed Italy’s commitment to press freedom.
• France: President Emmanuel Macron described the strike as “intolerable” and urged Israel to respect international law.
• Qatar: The Foreign Ministry condemned the attack as part of ongoing crimes against civilians and journalists, calling for urgent international action.
• Iran: The Foreign Ministry labeled the strike a “brutal war crime” and accused the US of complicity.
• Canada: The government condemned the killings, calling them “unacceptable.”
• United Nations: UN spokespersons described the attack as “absolutely horrifying,” emphasizing the need for accountability and justice for the deaths of journalists. UN Special Rapporteur Francesca Albanese called for immediate measures to stop the “carnage” in Gaza.
• Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC): Condemned the strike as a “war crime” and an assault on press freedom.
• European Union: Ursula von der Leyen urged Israel to stop targeting journalists reporting on the conflict.

Media Organizations

• Palestinian Journalists Syndicate: Called the attack a “deliberate escalation” targeting journalists to prevent reporting on Israeli actions.
• Reporters Without Borders (RSF): Condemned the killings and called for UN Security Council intervention, describing journalists as “deliberately targeted.”
• Foreign Press Association in Jerusalem: Demanded an immediate explanation from the Israeli military and a halt to attacks on journalists.
• Doctors Without Borders (MSF): Expressed heartbreak over Mariam Abu Daqqa’s death, highlighting the systematic targeting of those documenting the conflict.

The strike has sparked global outrage, with calls for accountability and protection for civilians and journalists amid escalating violence in Gaza.