UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Monday condemned the latest Israeli attacks on Nasser Hospital in the southern Gaza Strip.
“The Secretary-General strongly condemns the killing of Palestinians today in Israeli strikes that hit the Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis. Among those killed, in addition to civilians, were medical personnel and journalists,” said a statement issued by Guterres’ spokesman Stephane Dujarric.
“These latest horrific killings highlight the extreme risks that medical personnel and journalists face while carrying out their vital work in the midst of this brutal conflict,” it said.
Guterres reiterated the protection of “civilians, including medical personnel and journalists” and called for a “prompt and impartial investigation into these killings.”
He further noted “that medical personnel and journalists must be able to carry out their essential duties without interference, intimidation or harm, in full compliance with international humanitarian law.”
“The Secretary-General reiterates his call for an immediate and permanent ceasefire, unhindered humanitarian access throughout Gaza, and the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages,” the statement added.
Gaza’s Ministry of Health confirmed that 20 Palestinians, including patients, health workers, civil defense personnel and a media team, were killed, while several others were injured in the attack.
The ministry said the Israeli military hit the fourth floor of one of the buildings in the complex with two airstrikes, noting that the second strike occurred as rescue teams were arriving to evacuate the wounded and recover the dead.
The official Palestinian television reported that its cameraman Hussam al-Masri was among the dead, while Qatar’s Al Jazeera channel confirmed that its photographer Mohammad Salama was also killed.
A medical source confirmed to Anadolu the death of photojournalist Mariam Abu Dagg.
Photojournalist Moaz Abu Taha was also killed in the Israeli attack on the hospital.
Medical sources also told Anadolu Agency that Ahmed Abu Aziz, a freelance journalist for Tunisian and Moroccan newspapers, died from injuries sustained in the Israeli attack.
Israel has killed more than 62,700 Palestinians in Gaza since October 2023. The military campaign has devastated the enclave, which is facing famine.
Last November, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza.
Israel also faces a genocide charge at the International Court of Justice over the war in the enclave.
