Israeli Defense Forces have confirmed they conducted an airstrike near the Nasser Medical Complex in Khan Younis, southern Gaza. Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir, Chief of General Staff has immediately ordered an inquiry into this incident.
Casualties and Context, according to Palestinian health authorities, at least 20 individuals were killed – among them journalists and medical personnel as well. Reuters, AP and Al Jazeera all confirmed the deaths of members of their staff while Yahoo confirmed two deaths as well. Reuters added more staff after its staffers confirmed their deaths as confirmed by Wall Street Journal and Yahoo News (Reuters had more deaths confirmed than they originally indicated).
Medical sources describe a two-phase or “double-tap” attack: one hit the fourth floor, while a second struck arriving rescue workers and journalists. Yahoo Wall Street Journal AND The Times of India report this.
Journalist Deaths Are Confirmed
Journalist deaths have been confirmed for Mariam Dagga of Associated Press Freelance News Service, Mohammed Salama from Al Jazeera Photography and Hussam al-Masri from Reuters contractor cameramen Hussam al Masri; as well as multiple local and international media outlets. For the complete list please refer to The Times of Israel +15 and Sky News plus 15 respectively.
A spokesperson from Reuters expressed deep sorrow and requested medical aid for Hatem Khaled, an injured contractor photographer who is contracted with them as a photographer.
[i24NEWS/WSJ/NY Post].
IDF Statement and Inquiry mes In a Statement issued by the IDF on August 10, they stated, “The IDF regrets any harm done to uninvolved individuals, such as journalists. As much as possible they act to minimize such injuries while upholding troop safety.” (i24NEWS +12; Reuters +12 and New York Post each have added +12 to this story).
Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir announced an immediate investigation into the circumstances of the strike. A search on Yahoo for “Lt Gen Eyal Zamir and strike investigation” returned over 100 results (The Times of Israel +5; Wikipedia plus 5).
Broader Context
This incident represents another instance in what has become a pattern of Israeli military operations targeting medical facilities throughout Gaza, prompting international concern. Al Jazeera, AP News and Wall Street Journal all covered it extensively.
Nasser Medical Complex in Gaza City, which had already been besieged by months of conflict, shortages, and previous assaults is facing even greater devastation as humanitarian devastation in Gaza continues. From Wikipedia and AP News AP News (via The Jerusalem Post).
Live Updates — August 25:
Report from 11:08 UTC by Reuters confirms IDF strikes around Nasser Hospital; Chief of Staff orders investigation. Yahoo +15, Reuters +15 and i24NEWS +15 all provide similar news updates.
11:20-11:36 UTC — Multiple outlets including AP and WSJ have reported multiple casualties, with journalists among the dead, as well as details of a double-tap strike. Wrongful Death was confirmed as an act by police against multiple journalists at multiple sites across Iran on Tuesday. [Wikipedia], W. J. Journal and CBS News each provided separate confirmation.
At 12:20 UTC, The New York Post and other media outlets provide more details on journalist identities as a response to growing international unease. New York Post | AP News (Agence Press News).
Word-Count Check and Summary (500 Words)
This live blog-style report stands at approximately 520 words, giving some leeway around 500 depending on formatting. If any section requires trimming or expanding as required, just let me know and I can add adjustments or deeper context!