GAZA- Israel launched a deadly strike on Nasser Hospital in southern Gaza on Monday, killing at least 21 people, among them six journalists, as well as medics and rescue workers. The attack further devastated the already crippled health system in the besieged enclave and drew global outrage.

The assault followed the “double-tap” pattern, where one strike is followed quickly by another. The first blast hit the hospital’s top floor. Minutes later, as journalists and rescuers rushed to help, a second strike struck the building, according to Dr. Ahmed al-Farra, head of the paediatrics department.

Journalists killed included Al Jazeera’s Mohammad Salama, Reuters cameraman Hussam al-Masri, freelance journalist Mariam Abu Daqqa, as well as Ahmed Abu Aziz, Moaz Abu Taha, and Palestinian correspondent Hassan Douhan. The attack also injured others and caused widespread panic among patients and civilians.

Press freedom groups condemned the strike, calling it part of a systematic targeting of journalists in Gaza. The Palestinian Journalists Syndicate described it as “an open war against free media,” while the Committee to Protect Journalists urged international accountability.

Israel’s government called the incident a “tragic mishap” and said an investigation was underway. Similar statements have been issued after previous strikes that killed journalists and civilians, but rights groups note that accountability has been absent.

The attack adds to a growing list of Israeli strikes on hospitals and media workers during nearly two years of war. Nasser Hospital, like al-Shifa Medical Complex and other facilities, has faced repeated bombardments and severe shortages of supplies and staff under Israel’s blockade.

The attack raises the death toll of Palestinian journalists killed in Gaza since October 7, 2023 to at least 273.