Reuters Editor-in-Chief Alessandra Galloni and AP Executive Editor Julie Pace today issued the following statement regarding the August strikes on Nasser Hospital in Gaza:
On the one-month anniversary of the Israeli strikes on Nasser Hospital in Gaza, we renew our demand for a clear account from the Israeli authorities and urge the government to uphold its obligations to ensure press freedom and protection.
The strikes killed five journalists including Reuters cameraman Hussam al-Masri; visual journalist Mariam Dagga, who worked for AP and other news organizations; and Moaz Abu Taha, a freelance journalist whose work had been published by Reuters. We remain devastated and outraged by their deaths.
The strikes that killed them occurred at a hospital, a location protected under international law and one that was widely known to be crucial for news coverage out of Gaza. These journalists were acting in their professional capacity, doing eyewitness reporting. An incident of this gravity requires a prompt and clear explanation, followed by accountability and concrete actions to ensure such attacks are never repeated.
Journalists play a vital role in documenting events and informing the public. Nearly 200 journalists and media workers have been killed in the region since Oct. 7, 2023, according to the Committee to Protect Journalists — an alarming toll that underscores the escalating risks for those reporting on the ground.
We again call on the government of Israel to explain the deaths of these journalists and to take every step to protect those who continue to cover this conflict.
Media Contact:
Heather Carpenter
Heather.Carpenter @ tr.com