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UN chief slams Israel over deadly hospital strike killing journalists

A camera with blood on it is seen on the Nasser Medical Complex in Khan Yunis, located in the southern Gaza Strip, on August 25, 2025. (AA Photo)
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A camera with blood on it is seen on the Nasser Medical Complex in Khan Yunis, located in the southern Gaza Strip, on August 25, 2025. (AA Photo)
August 25, 2025 10:10 PM GMT+03:00

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres strongly condemned Israel’s attacks on Al-Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis, Gaza, which killed civilians, medical staff, and journalists.

UN Spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said during a daily press briefing, “The Secretary-General strongly condemns the killing of Palestinians in today’s attack on Al-Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis. The victims include civilians, health personnel, and journalists.”

A journalist holds the blood-covered camera belonging to Palestinian photojournalist Mariam Dagga, a journalist who was killed in an Israeli strike, during her funeral on August 25, 2025. (AFP Photo)
A journalist holds the blood-covered camera belonging to Palestinian photojournalist Mariam Dagga, a journalist who was killed in an Israeli strike, during her funeral on August 25, 2025. (AFP Photo)

Health workers and journalists at risk

Dujarric emphasized that the latest deaths underscore the extreme risks faced by health workers and journalists while performing essential duties amid conflict. “The Secretary-General reminds all parties that civilians, including health personnel and journalists, must always be respected and protected,” he said.

The UN chief has called for an immediate and impartial investigation into the killings. Dujarric reiterated Guterres’ demand for a prompt and lasting ceasefire, unrestricted humanitarian access across Gaza, and the unconditional release of all hostages.

TRT Arabi reporter Sami Barhoum shows the car window damaged as a result of Israeli attack in Khan Younis, Gaza on August 18, 2024. (AA Photo)
TRT Arabi reporter Sami Barhoum shows the car window damaged as a result of Israeli attack in Khan Younis, Gaza on August 18, 2024. (AA Photo)

Accountability measures

Asked about Israel’s responsibility for the deaths of dozens of journalists over the past 22 months and what measures Guterres intends to take, Dujarric said the Secretary-General does not have the authority to launch an international investigation. “However, they will be held accountable. Israel must cooperate with various mechanisms established by UN bodies to ensure transparency and accountability,” he added.

When asked if Guterres supports the General Assembly granting authority to deploy an independent protection force in Gaza, Dujarric said, “Guterres supports any initiative that ends the conflict in Gaza, ensures humanitarian aid reaches people, secures the release of all hostages, and helps return to a two-state solution in Palestine.”

A general view of the damaged Nasser Medical Complex building following Israeli attacks on the Nasser Medical Complex in Khan Yunis, located in the southern Gaza Strip, August 25, 2025. (AA Photo)
A general view of the damaged Nasser Medical Complex building following Israeli attacks on the Nasser Medical Complex in Khan Yunis, located in the southern Gaza Strip, August 25, 2025. (AA Photo)

Journalists killed in hospital attacks

The UN statement confirmed that at least five journalists were killed in the Israeli airstrike on the fourth floor of Al-Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis. The victims include:

  • Hossam El-Masri, photojournalist for Reuters
  • Mohammed Salame, cameraman for Al Jazeera
  • Maryam Abu Dekka, working for Independent Arabia and AP among other outlets
  • Moaz Abu Taha, journalist at NBC News
  • Ahmed Abu Aziz, journalist

Additionally, journalist Hasan Duvhan was killed during Israeli attacks in the Mevasi area of Khan Younis.

August 25, 2025 10:10 PM GMT+03:00
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