OHCHR Spokesperson Thameen Al-Kheetan stated that the condemnation of the Israeli forces’ strikes on Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis should lead to demands for accountability and justice for those killed.
At least 20 people, including four health workers and five journalists, died. The journalists were identified as Ahed Abu Aziz, Hussam al-Masri, Mariam Dagga, Mohammed Salama, and Moaz Abu Taha, who worked for media including Middle East Eye, the Associated Press, Al Jazeera, and Reuters.
Two strikes
Footage from the scene shows a second strike seemingly targeting rescuers at the site of the initial attack on Gaza’s largest medical facility in the south on Monday.
“It appears one journalist was killed in the first air strike, while three others, including the woman journalist, were killed in the second,” Mr. Al-Kheetan said. “This is shocking and unacceptable.”
“At least 247 Palestinian journalists have been killed in Gaza since October 7, 2023,” he added.
“Journalists are the eyes and ears of the world and must be protected…This raises numerous questions about targeting journalists; these incidents must be investigated, and those responsible held accountable.”
He noted that OHCHR was verifying the details of Monday’s strikes, emphasizing that targeting journalists and hospitals is illegal under international law.
The head of UN cultural agency, UNESCO, which supports press freedom and journalists’ safety, also condemned the killings, emphasizing the need to adhere to UN Security Council resolution 2222, adopted in 2015 to protect journalists, media professionals, and associated personnel as civilians in conflict situations.
Audrey Azoulay stated that UNESCO is providing emergency aid to journalists in Gaza, including psychosocial support, access to equipment, and capacity building.
Investigations must ‘yield results’
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed regret over the killings, calling it a “tragic mishap” and stated the Israeli military would conduct “a thorough investigation.”
The OHCHR spokesperson told journalists in Geneva that Israeli authorities have conducted past investigations as the occupying power.
“These investigations need results. There must be justice. We haven’t seen accountability measures yet,” he said.
Starvation deaths mount as thousands flee new displacement orders
The UN reported three more starvation deaths in Gaza on Tuesday, raising the toll from hunger to 303, with 117 children among the victims, according to the Gaza Ministry of Health.
The Israeli military has issued new evacuation orders in Gaza City’s Ad Daraj and Ash Sheikh Radwan districts, causing families to flee again.
Since the offensive began on August 14, over 36,200 people have been displaced, mostly moving to Deir al Balah and Khan Younis. “People continue to flee in fear for their lives,” UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric said in New York.
Hospitals run out of blood
Hospitals are warning of critical blood shortages. They require over 350 units daily for the wounded, but donations have dropped as famine worsens. The Ministry of Health has issued an urgent appeal.
Humanitarian agencies face severe restrictions on aid delivery. Of 12 UN missions needing Israeli approval on Sunday, only six proceeded.
Others were blocked, canceled, or denied, including a road repair plan in Khan Younis.
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