The deadly incident took place on Monday when Israeli forces carried out what is being called a “double strike” on Nasser Hospital. (TDG Team)
India on Wednesday condemned the killing of five journalists in an Israeli airstrike on Nasser Hospital in Gaza’s Khan Younis. The Ministry of External Affairs described the incident as “shocking and deeply regrettable” and reiterated India’s stand against the loss of civilian lives in conflicts.
“The killing of journalists is shocking and deeply regrettable. India has always condemned the loss of civilian lives in conflict,” MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said in response to media questions.
He further added, “We understand that the Israeli authorities have already instituted an investigation.”
The deadly incident took place on Monday when Israeli forces carried out what is being called a “double strike” on Nasser Hospital. Reports said 21 people were killed, including five journalists working for international media houses like Reuters, Associated Press, Al Jazeera and Middle East Eye.
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A sixth journalist was also killed in a separate strike in Khan Younis the same day.
Four health workers also lost their lives in the hospital strike, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).As journalists and rescuers hurried to assist the casualties, Israeli soldiers reportedly launched a second strike after initially targeting the hospital. This strategy, which is frequently called a "double tap," led to even more deaths.
Video footage from the site showed rescuers and media workers being directly hit in the second strike.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called the incident a “tragic mishap” and said that military authorities have started an investigation into the matter.
The killing of these journalists adds to a growing toll in Gaza. Since the Israel-Hamas war began in October 2023, nearly 200 journalists have been killed. International journalists have not been allowed to enter Gaza independently since the war started.
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The high number of journalist deaths has drawn widespread global criticism, with press freedom groups and humanitarian organizations demanding accountability.
In keeping with its "zero tolerance" policy for terrorism, India first showed strong support for Israel in the wake of the October 2023 Hamas assaults. However, New Delhi adopted a more balanced stance in response to Arab countries' concerns.
Since then, India has demanded a two-state solution, a return to negotiations, and an immediate cessation of hostilities. It has also called for unrestricted humanitarian access to Gaza and the release of captives detained by Hamas.
