An investigation by Reuters has found that Israel’s justification for attacking Khan Younis’ Nasser Hospital, claiming it targeted a Hamas camera, is unfounded. The August 25 strike killed 22 people, including five journalists, increasing the total number of journalists killed in Gaza to over 200 since the conflict began nearly two years ago.

Israeli military officials claimed drone footage showed a Hamas-operated camera at the hospital. However, Reuters determined that the camera in question belonged to their own journalist, Hussam al-Masri, who had used it for live broadcasts. Eyewitness accounts and over 100 pieces of visual evidence confirmed that the camera was covered with a prayer rug belonging to al-Masri, not a Hamas operative.

Following the initial explosion, which occurred as rescuers responded to the scene, a second blast killed more bystanders. Al-Masri was killed in the first strike, moments before his broadcast froze.

Critics, including Ismail al-Thawabta from Gaza’s Government Media Office, argue that Israel’s claims are part of an attempt to obscure accountability for the attack on the hospital, which breached international humanitarian law. The Committee to Protect Journalists reports that Israel has not held anyone accountable for journalist casualties and has not conducted meaningful reviews of engagement protocols in light of international outcry.



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