Independent Arabia’s Maryam Abu Daqqa was among 20 killed in an Israeli strike on a Gaza hospital, drawing international concern and condemnation.
Along with freelance journalist Moaz Abu Taha, Reuters cameraman Hussam al-Masri, and Al Jazeera camera operator Mohammed Salam, Maryam Abu Daqqa, who was employed by Associated Press and Independent Arabia, was also killed.
According to the UK-based media outlet Middle East Eye, Ahmed Abu Aziz passed away as a result of his wounds.
Independent Arabia expressed its condolences for its brave reporter, Abu Daqqa, who left behind an 11-year-old son and dedicated her life to reporting on the atrocities taking place in the beleaguered GazaStrip.
Additionally, Israel's "flagrant violation of international laws that guarantee the protection of journalists" was denounced by the newspaper.
Benjamin Netanyahu, the Israeli prime minister, stated that Israel regretted what he attempted to describe as a "tragic mishap" after Israel announced that an investigation into the strike had been begun.
Witnesses reported that two missiles struck the Nasser Medical Complex, the only partially operational public hospital in southern Gaza, in rapid succession on Monday, killing 20 people and injuring 50 others, including the video journalist.
Since the start of Israel's unprecedented assault of Gaza in October 2023, rights organizations and the UN have accused Israel on numerous occasions of targeting Palestinian journalists and medical institutions.
According to rights organization Amnesty International, more than 240 journalists have been slain since then, including five two weeks ago, making this the worst battle for reporters in modern history.
“We were shocked there was strike hitting the fourth floor of the main surgical building. The journalists use that side to do their interviews or to broadcast from the area,”
Khaled al-Serr, a leading Palestinian surgeon at Nasser Hospital, said. He said first responders, medics and journalists rushed to the scene to help the injured and killed.
“During the evacuation, while we were standing in front of the building and starting the work receiving cases to the emergency department, when we were surprised by another bombing to the same spot.”
“Until now, the treatment process is still continuing, we cannot confirmed the numbers,”
he added.
Mohammed al-Qudra, 28, who also witnessed the attack, said the quick succession of missiles “resulted in a massive massacre”.
“The scene was terrifying,”
he said, still shaken.
“The area was a pool of blood, and the entire staircase of the building was covered in blood, from top to bottom.”
The Israeli military declined to comment when asked why it launched a double strike on a hospital, a protected building, and did not acknowledge that it had killed journalists and first responders as they were tending to the injured.
Instead, in a public statement, Israeli military spokesperson Nadav Shoshani confirmed Israeli troops carried out a strike in the area of the hospital and added that the country’s chief of staff had instructed an initial inquiry “as soon as possible”.
“She is remarkable,” he added, his voice cracking with emotion.
Reuters also mourned their loss, saying they were “devastated” to learn of the killing of their cameraman Al-Masri, and the injury of photographer Hatem Khaled, also a contractor who they have asked to be evacuated.
The AP said it too was “shocked”.
“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,” the AP said.
What immediate investigations have Israeli authorities announced into the strike?
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed that the strike was carried out in the area of Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis and expressed regret over civilian casualties. IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir has ordered a preliminary inquiry into the incident.
The military stated that it does not target journalists and expressed regret for any harm caused to uninvolved individuals. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described the hospital strike as a "tragic mishap" and reiterated Israel's respect for journalists and civilians.
Israeli military spokesperson Brigadier General Effie Defrin noted that the army launched the investigation but accused Hamas of using hospitals as cover for their operations, including hosting command centers or holding hostages.