Four journalists have been killed after an Israeli strike on a hospital in southern Gaza, according to the Associated Press and Reuters.
At least 19 people in total died in the strike on Nasser Hospital, in Khan Younis, on Monday, Zaher al-Waheidi, the head of Gaza’s Hamas-run health ministry’s records department, told AP.
The Associated Press said in a statement to Newsweek that Mariam Dagga, 33, a visual journalist who freelanced for the agency, was one of the reporters killed.
Al Jazeera reported its journalist Mohammad Salama was another and Reuters, citing Palestinian health officials, said Hussam al-Masri, one of its contractor camera operators also died. Reuters also said one of its contractor photographers, Hatem Khaled, was wounded.
The IDF said its Chief of the General Staff has ordered an inquiry into the strike and said it “regrets any harm to uninvolved individuals and does not target journalists as such.”
One of the journalists killed in the strikes was cameraman Hussam al-Masri, according to the officials. He was a contractor for Reuters. Photographer Hatem Khaled, who was also a Reuters contractor, was wounded, the officials said. Keep up with the latest updates:… pic.twitter.com/uJOyAML6AK
— Reuters (@Reuters) August 25, 2025
The AP said in a statement to Newsweek that it is “shocked and saddened” to learn of Dagga’s death.
“Mariam regularly based herself at the hospital for coverage,” the agency said. “Her recent work included strong stories of starving and malnourished children in Gaza. She freelanced for the AP and other news outlets.”
“We are doing everything we can to keep our journalists in Gaza safe as they continue to provide crucial eyewitness reporting in difficult and dangerous conditions,” it added.
IDF International Spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Nadav Shoshani said in a statement on X: “Earlier today (Monday), IDF troops carried out a strike in the area of Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis.
“The Chief of the General Staff instructed to conduct an initial inquiry as soon as possible.
“The IDF regrets any harm to uninvolved individuals and does not target journalists as such. The IDF acts to mitigate harm to uninvolved individuals as much as possible while maintaining the safety of IDF troops.”
Earlier today (Monday), IDF troops carried out a strike in the area of Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis.
The Chief of the General Staff instructed to conduct an initial inquiry as soon as possible.
The IDF regrets any harm to uninvolved individuals and does not target journalists…
— LTC Nadav Shoshani (@LTC_Shoshani) August 25, 2025
Newsweek has contacted the Israeli Defense Forces, Israel’s Ministry of Defense, along with Reuters and Al Jazeera, via email, for comment.
This is a developing story – more to follow.
AP