Israeli air raids on Southern Gaza have killed at least 15 people, including four journalists, working with international media organisations.
This attack is one of the deadliest attacks on press workers since the conflict began, reports AFP.
Officials at the Nasser Medical Complex confirmed that this morning’s strikes devastated the hospital area, killing 14 people on the spot.
The BBC later reported that the toll had climbed to 15 as rescue teams continued to pull bodies from the rubble.
The journalists confirmed dead include Al Jazeera cameraman Mohammad Salama; Reuters contractor Hussam Al-Masri; veteran reporter Mariam Abu Dagga, who had contributed to the Associated Press and other outlets; and freelance journalist Moath Abu Taha.
A Reuters live stream being operated by Al-Masri from inside the hospital suddenly went offline at the moment of the blast.
Another Reuters photographer, Hatem Khaled, was injured but survived, according to medical officials.
The attack has deepened global alarm over the mounting toll on journalists in Gaza.
Advocacy groups say media workers face unprecedented dangers in documenting the war.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have not commented on the latest incident.
Although Israel has repeatedly denied targeting the press, it admitted responsibility in an earlier strike that killed five Al Jazeera journalists, calling that attack deliberate.
Gaza’s civil defence agency said one of its own first responders also died in the hospital assault.
The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) convened an emergency session in Jeddah on Monday, with foreign ministers meeting to address starvation in Gaza, Israel’s military escalation, and reports of plans to occupy the enclave.
Officials said a joint response strategy will be announced at the conclusion of the talks.
