India on Wednesday strongly condemned the killing of journalists in southern Gaza, describing the incident as “shocking and deeply regrettable.”
Responding to media queries, MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, “The killing of journalists is shocking and deeply regrettable. India has always condemned the loss of civilian lives in conflict. We understand that the Israeli authorities have already instituted an investigation.”
The statement followed an Israeli strike on Nasser Hospital in southern Gaza, which killed at least 21 people, including five journalists. The attack, described as a “double-tap” strike, has drawn sharp international criticism amid intensifying Israeli operations in the enclave.
Among those killed were Al Jazeera’s Mohammad Salama, Reuters cameraman Hussam al-Masri, and Mariam Abu Daqqa, a freelance journalist working with AP.
The Israeli Prime Minister’s Office expressed regret over the incident, stating on X that Israel “deeply regrets the tragic mishap” and values the work of journalists, medical staff, and all civilians.
According to a preliminary IDF investigation, Hamas had installed a surveillance camera on hospital grounds, prompting Israeli troops to believe they were being monitored. A drone strike was authorized to dismantle the camera, followed by tank fire after what was assessed as an immediate threat. Ultimately, four shells were fired at the site. The IDF claimed six of those killed were terror operatives, including one involved in the October 7, 2023, massacre in southern Israel.
Witnesses, however, described the strike as devastating. Dr Ahmed al-Farra, head of paediatrics at Nasser Hospital, called it a “double-tap” attack, with the second strike hitting as journalists and rescuers rushed to help victims of the first. Al Jazeera’s Tareq Abu Azzoum, reporting from Deir el-Balah, said the attack created “absolute chaos and panic” for civilians and patients alike, in violation of international humanitarian law.
Since Monday, Israeli strikes across Gaza have killed at least 61 people, including seven who were seeking aid. Gaza’s Civil Defence reported that over 1,000 buildings have been destroyed in Gaza City since August 6, leaving hundreds trapped under rubble as rescue and aid efforts struggle against shelling and blocked routes.
