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On cam: Moment Israeli ‘double-tap’ strike hit Gaza hospital; 4 journalists, 15 others killed
The Israeli double-tap airstrike hit the fourth floor of southern Gaza’s main hospital Monday, killing several, including journalists.
Chilling videos of an Israeli airstrike on Nasser Hospital in southern Gaza's Khan Younis showed missiles piercing through the roof of the facility, a blow that killed several, including four journalists.
The Israeli double-tap airstrike, which Israel admitted to have carried out, hit the fourth floor of southern Gaza’s main hospital Monday, killing at least 19 people, Gaza’s health ministry said, however other reports carried varying death toll.
Reuters lost a cameraman in the strike. Other journalist killed in the strike, included one from Al Jazeera – which had lost six staff and freelancers in an attack two weeks ago – and Mariam Dagga, a 33-year-old visual journalist who freelanced for Associated Press news agency.
Purported visuals of the attack on social media showed several men engaged in what looked like rescue efforts in an already damaged part of the Nasser Hospital when the double-tap strike hit, leaving thick grey dust behind.
The strike reportedly targeted the reception building of the Nasser Medical Complex.
A double tap strike refers to a shooting technique where two shots are fired in rapid succession at the same target.
Nasser Hospital, the largest in southern Gaza, has witnessed raids and bombardment throughout 22 months of war, with officials citing critical shortages of supplies and staff.
In all, 19 people were killed in the strike on Nasser Hospital on Monday, according to an AP report which cited Zaher al-Waheidi, head of the Gaza health ministry's records department.
Hussam al-Masri, one of the journalists killed in the strikes according to the officials, was a contractor for Reuters, the news portal said, citing officials. It added that photographer Hatem Khaled, who was also a contractor, was injured.
Among the visuals of the strike, one showed photojournalist Hatem soaked in blood.
Hours after the attack, Israeli military said it carried out a strike in the area of Nasser Hospital, adding that “it regrets any harm to uninvolved individuals” and that it "does not target journalists as such".
Israel army said it will 'conduct initial inquiry' over strike on Gaza hospital
