Reuters, AP demand answers after Israel strike kills Gaza journalists

 JournalismPakistan.com |  Published 3 months ago |  JP Staff Report

Reuters and the Associated Press have jointly demanded accountability from Israel after an airstrike on Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis killed five journalists, including freelancers and contractors working for both agencies.

In a letter sent Tuesday (Aug. 26, 2025) to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other senior Israeli officials, the news agencies called for a clear explanation of the Aug. 25 strike, which also wounded Reuters photographer Hatem Khaled. Those killed included freelance visual journalists Mariam Dagga and Moaz Abu Taha, along with Reuters cameraman Hussam al-Masri.

“We are outraged that independent journalists were among the victims of this strike on the hospital, a location that is protected under international law,” the letter stated, stressing that the journalists were carrying out their professional duty in a conflict zone where foreign reporters have been barred from entering Gaza for nearly two years.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed carrying out the strikes, saying it does not target journalists and has opened an investigation. However, Reuters and AP expressed skepticism, citing past incidents where IDF self-investigations rarely produced clarity or accountability.

The letter also raised concerns that the strike, followed by a second hit while rescuers and journalists were present, may have violated Israel’s obligations under international law to protect civilians and members of the press.

According to the Committee to Protect Journalists, 197 journalists and media workers have been killed in the region since Oct. 7, 2023, the vast majority of them Palestinian.

The agencies reiterated their demand for urgent, transparent accountability and called on Israel to allow independent journalists safe access to Gaza.