Calls for accountability and answers from the Israeli government have grown louder following a deadly airstrike last month that killed five journalists and 17 others at Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis, Gaza. On September 25, 2025, two of the world’s most prominent news agencies, Reuters and The Associated Press (AP), marked the one-month anniversary of the attack with a joint demand for a clear explanation, concrete action, and greater protection for journalists working in conflict zones.
The journalists who lost their lives in the strike included Mariam Dagga, a 33-year-old visual journalist who had contributed to AP and other organizations; Hussam al-Masri, a Reuters cameraman; and Moaz Abu Taha, a freelance reporter whose work appeared in Reuters publications. Their deaths, along with those of 17 other civilians, have sent shockwaves through the global media community and intensified scrutiny of Israel’s conduct in the ongoing Gaza conflict.
AP and Reuters, led by their top editors Alessandra Galloni and Julie Pace, issued a statement that left little doubt about the gravity of the situation. According to AP, the agencies declared, “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. We remain devastated and outraged by their deaths.”
The incident occurred at Nasser Hospital, a facility not only protected under international law but also widely recognized as a vital hub for news coverage from Gaza. The loss of journalists at such a location, the agencies argue, is especially egregious. “An incident of this gravity requires a prompt and clear explanation, followed by accountability and concrete actions to ensure such attacks are never repeated,” their joint statement emphasized.
In the immediate aftermath of the attack, AP and Reuters sent a joint letter to the Israeli government demanding answers. However, as of the one-month mark, Israel had yet to provide a formal response. The Israeli military did announce an investigation into the incident, but details remain scant. According to Reuters, the military stated it had targeted what it believed to be a Hamas surveillance camera at the hospital, calling the deaths of the journalists a ‘mishap’—but offered no evidence or further clarification.
The lack of transparency and accountability has fueled frustration among journalists and press freedom advocates. The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) reports that since the outbreak of hostilities on October 7, 2023, at least 239 journalists and media workers have been killed in the Gaza region. For comparison, CPJ notes that only 18 journalists have lost their lives so far in Russia’s war in Ukraine, highlighting the extraordinary dangers faced by those reporting from Gaza.
Recent months have seen a string of deadly incidents involving members of the press. In August 2025, Al-Jazeera correspondent Anas al-Sharif was killed during an Israeli attack on a tent where journalists were sheltering in Gaza. The same strike claimed the lives of Al-Jazeera correspondent Mohammed Qreiqeh, camera operators Ibrahim Zaher and Mohammed Noufal, and two freelance journalists. These tragedies have only compounded the sense of urgency for international action.
The CPJ has been vocal in its demands, urging the global community to “take immediate action to end the unlawful attacks on journalists, grant international media independent access to Gaza to be able to investigate and report what is happening without fear of censorship or assassination, and hold Israel accountable.” The organization’s calls echo those of AP and Reuters, underscoring a growing consensus among media watchdogs that the status quo is untenable.
Efforts to raise awareness about the plight of journalists in Gaza have extended beyond written statements. This week, the BBC, together with AP, Reuters, and Agence France-Presse, released a short film advocating for international journalists’ access to Gaza. Narrated by BBC journalist David Dimbleby, the film draws on historical images to highlight the indispensable role of journalism in conflict zones. The film premiered in New York during an event hosted by CPJ, coinciding with the U.N. General Assembly’s annual meeting of world leaders.
The timing of these advocacy efforts is no accident. The joint statement from AP and Reuters was issued just a day before Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was scheduled to address the U.N. General Assembly. Many see this as a strategic move to maximize international attention and pressure on the Israeli government.
For those who knew the fallen journalists, the loss is deeply personal. Mariam Dagga, just 33 years old, was remembered by colleagues as a dedicated visual storyteller committed to bringing the realities of Gaza to the world’s attention. Her work, along with that of Hussam al-Masri and Moaz Abu Taha, provided crucial coverage from one of the world’s most dangerous places for reporters.
The Israeli military’s justification for the hospital strike has not satisfied critics. By claiming the intended target was a Hamas surveillance camera and labeling the incident a ‘mishap,’ officials have done little to allay fears that journalists are being put in harm’s way without sufficient regard for their protected status under international law. The absence of concrete evidence to support the military’s claims has only deepened skepticism.
International law is clear: hospitals are protected sites, and journalists are afforded special protections as civilians. The deaths at Nasser Hospital, a facility known to be a focal point for media coverage, have raised profound questions about the adequacy of safeguards for journalists in conflict zones. The AP’s own reporting on the attack has challenged Israel’s rationale and scrutinized the manner in which the strike was carried out.
Calls for accountability are not limited to media organizations. Human rights groups and press freedom advocates worldwide have joined the chorus, demanding that Israel provide a full account of the events, take steps to prevent recurrence, and ensure the safety of those who risk their lives to report the news.
As the conflict in Gaza drags on, the dangers for journalists remain acute. The CPJ’s grim statistics serve as a stark reminder of the high cost of covering war. Yet, as the BBC’s recent film and the joint efforts of AP, Reuters, and others make clear, the world relies on the bravery and dedication of journalists to bear witness and provide independent, on-the-ground reporting—no matter the risks.
With pressure mounting and global attention focused on both the U.N. General Assembly and the ongoing violence in Gaza, many are watching closely to see whether the Israeli government will respond to the demands for answers. For now, the families and colleagues of Mariam Dagga, Hussam al-Masri, Moaz Abu Taha, and the many others who have lost their lives continue to wait for the accountability and protection they deserve.
