Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has expressed regret following an airstrike on Nasser Hospital in Gaza that killed at least 20 people, including five journalists, on Monday, August 25, 2025.
In a statement shared on his official X, formerly Twitter, Netanyahu said:
“Israel deeply regrets the tragic mishap that occurred today at the Nasser Hospital in Gaza. Israel values the work of journalists, medical staff, and all civilians.
The military authorities are conducting a thorough investigation.”
He emphasised that Israel’s military operations are directed at Hamas terrorists, adding:
“Our war is with Hamas terrorists. Our just goals are defeating Hamas and bringing our hostages home.”
Journalists among the dead include Hussam al-Masri (Reuters cameraman), Mariam Abu Dagga (Associated Press freelancer), Mohammed Salam (Al Jazeera), and Moaz Abu Taha (NBC). Reuters photographer Hatem Khaled was seriously injured.
Footage broadcast by al-Ghad TV captured civil defence workers and journalists in bright orange vests attempting to recover al-Masri’s body, coming under fire in the process.
Rescuers raised their hands for protection before being struck.
According to the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), at least 192 Palestinian journalists have been killed since October 7, 2023 surpassing the global journalist death toll of the previous three years combined.
CPJ accused Israel of a “deliberate and systematic attempt to silence reporting from Gaza.”
CPJ data indicates that in 2024 alone, nearly one-third of journalists killed worldwide died in Gaza.
The total number of journalist fatalities in Gaza has now exceeded the combined totals from both World Wars, the Vietnam War, the Yugoslav conflicts, and the U.S. war in Afghanistan, according to Al Jazeera.
The deadliest month recorded was October 2023, with 44 journalists killed, followed by November (32), December (37), and January 2024 (17).
Among the victims, 269 were Palestinian, three Lebanese, and two Israeli journalists.
Israel continues to restrict foreign journalists from entering Gaza, a move that has drawn criticism from major international newsrooms.
