Israel’s attack on Gaza hospital sparks global outcry
International condemnation continues to pour in after an Israeli airstrike on Gaza’s Al Nasser Hospital killed nearly two dozen people, including five journalists.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has strongly condemned the attack, calling it “horrific” and urging a prompt and impartial investigation. In a statement released on Monday, Guterres’ spokesperson, Stephane Dujarric, said, “The Secretary-General strongly condemns the killing of Palestinians today in Israeli strikes that hit Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis. Those killed, in addition to civilians, included medical personnel and journalists.”
The statement added that these “latest horrific killings underscore the extreme risks that medical personnel and journalists face as they carry out their essential work amid this brutal conflict.”
READ ALSO: 4 journalists, including AP freelancer, killed in Israeli strike on Gaza hospital (Video)
Reporters Without Borders accused Israel of deliberately targeting journalists and called for an emergency UN Security Council meeting.
Doctors Without Borders also condemned the assault, expressing outrage at the attacks on healthcare workers and journalists. The organisation called for an end to what it terms “the genocide in Gaza” and for Israel to be held accountable.
Condemnation has also come from the Arab League, the Palestinian Journalists Syndicate, Turkey, and Spain.
Canada expressed its horror, labeling the attack “unacceptable.” In posts on X, the Canadian Foreign Ministry reiterated its condemnation of all violence against media workers. “Israel has an obligation to protect civilians, including journalists and healthcare workers, operating in Gaza,” the ministry stated.
READ ALSO: Nigerian Journalists Condemn Killing of Journalists in Gaza
“Canada urges an immediate and permanent ceasefire, the protection of civilians, the unconditional release of the remaining hostages, and increased UN-led humanitarian aid, which must be allowed to reach those in need.”
The Palestinian Presidency called the attack “a new war crime,” adding that it contributes to “a long history of crimes and massacres committed by the Israeli occupation to suppress the Palestinian media and the voice of truth.” According to the Palestinian Health Ministry, the first strike hit the hospital’s fourth floor, with a second strike targeting ambulance crews and emergency personnel.
The Israeli military has admitted to the attack, which resulted in the deaths of journalists from international outlets, including The Associated Press, Reuters, Al Jazeera, and the Middle East Eye.
READ ALSO: Israeli strike kills 5 Al Jazeera journalists near Gaza hospital
The Foreign Press Association, which represents international media, expressed “outrage and shock,” demanding an immediate explanation from the Israeli military and the prime minister’s office.
“We call on Israel once and for all to halt its abhorrent practice of targeting journalists,” the association stated. “This must be a watershed moment. We appeal to international leaders: Do everything you can to protect our colleagues. We cannot do it ourselves.”
According to the Gaza health ministry, since October 2023, Israel has reportedly killed 62,744 Palestinians, mostly women and children, and injured 158,259 others in its ongoing war against the territory.
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