At least 15 people, including four journalists working for international media organisations, have been reported killed in an Israeli strike on Nasser Hospital in the southern Gaza Strip.

 

Among the victims were Reuters cameraman Husam al-Masri and Associated Press (AP) freelance journalist Mariam Dagga, 33, AP confirmed, describing her death as “shocking and saddening.”

 

The other journalists reportedly killed were Mohammed Salameh of Al Jazeera and photographer Muath Abu Taha. Earlier reports had linked Taha to NBC, but the US network clarified that he was not on its staff.

 

According to the Hamas-run Civil Defence, the first missile strike killed several people, while a second strike on the same spot claimed more lives as rescuers rushed to the scene.

 

The Hamas-run health ministry said the attack struck the fourth floor of the hospital, before being hit again minutes later.

 

The Israeli military confirmed it carried out the strike, saying an investigation had been ordered, while insisting that it “does not target journalists as such.”

 

The Civil Defence reported that one of its members was also among the dead, while AFP confirmed the total toll at 15 fatalities.

 

Monday’s attack comes just two weeks after six journalists, including four from Al Jazeera, were k!lled in another Israeli strike near al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City.