🔴 LIVE Updates | Israeli Strike on Gaza Hospital Kills at Least 20, Including 5 Journalists

Syria has accused Israel of sending 60 soldiers into its territory near Mount Hermon, calling it a violation of sovereignty and a “direct threat to regional peace and security.”

Israel’s military said the troops were carrying out a routine operation in southern Syria, denying activity in Beit Jinn near the Lebanese border.

The incident comes amid ongoing U.S.-mediated talks aimed at de-escalating tensions in southern Syria.

Saudi Arabia has condemned what it called Israel’s “targeting of medical staff, relief and media personnel” at Gaza’s Nasser Hospital, denouncing ongoing violations of international law.

Qatar’s foreign ministry, in a separate statement, urged “urgent and decisive international action” to protect civilians and ensure those behind the attacks are held accountable.

Throughout the Gaza war, major Israeli outlets have often questioned the independence of journalists in Gaza, with some labelling them “terrorists.” The exception remains left-leaning daily Haaretz, which has been critical of the government.

After today’s strike on Nasser Hospital, right-wing Channel 14 — Israel’s second most-watched station and a supporter of PM Benjamin Netanyahu — described the dead as “terrorists disguised as journalists.”

The channel claimed the strikes targeted Hamas operatives in Khan Younis, saying more than 10 were killed, including “activists who carried out propaganda.” The Israeli army has not yet provided evidence for these assertions.

US President Donald Trump has again weighed in on the Gaza war, telling reporters he has spoken with Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu — “I deal with Bibi quite a lot” — and warned him, “you better get it settled soon.” Speaking alongside South Korean President Lee Jae-myung at the White House, Trump stressed that the 7 October Hamas attacks were “about as bad as it gets” but said the war must “get over with, between the hunger and all of the other problems.” He said a “very serious” diplomatic effort is underway to end the conflict and free Israeli hostages, predicting a...

UN Secretary-General António Guterres has “strongly condemned” the killing of Palestinians in today’s strikes on Nasser Hospital. “These latest horrific killings highlight the extreme risks that medical personnel and journalists face,” his spokesman said in a statement. The UN chief demanded that civilians — including doctors, nurses and journalists — “be protected at all times” and called for a “prompt and impartial investigation” into the incident. He stressed that journalists must be able to work “without interference, intimidation, or harm, in full accordance with international humanitarian law.” Guterres concluded by urging: an “immediate and permanent ceasefire” unfettered humanitarian access across Gaza the immediate and unconditional release of...

The office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has issued a statement on today’s deadly strike at Nasser Hospital in Gaza.

Posted on X, the statement reads:

“Israel deeply regrets the tragic mishap that occurred today at the Nasser Hospital in Gaza. Israel values the work of journalists, medical staff, and all civilians.”

It added that military authorities are carrying out a “thorough investigation.”

The statement concluded:

“Our war is with Hamas terrorists. Our just goals are defeating Hamas and bringing our hostages home.”

Nearly 200 journalists — mostly Palestinian — have been killed in Gaza since the war began, says the Committee to Protect Journalists, making it the deadliest conflict for reporters worldwide.

So-called “double-tap” strikes, where rescuers and journalists are hit after an initial blast, have proved especially lethal.

Journalists are protected as civilians under international law, unless directly taking part in fighting. Press freedom groups accuse Israel of deliberately targeting journalists, which it denies.

Israel has also barred international reporters from Gaza for the entire 22 months of the war — unprecedented in modern conflicts.

French President Emmanuel Macron has described the strikes on Nasser Hospital as “intolerable”, stressing that civilians and journalists “must be protected in all circumstances.” He added: “The media must be able to carry out their mission freely and independently to cover the reality of the conflict. Humanitarian aid must return. We call on Israel to respect international law.” Germany’s foreign office said it was “shocked” by the killing of journalists, rescue workers and civilians, calling for the attack to be investigated. Meanwhile, Turkey’s head of communications accused Israel of committing “yet another crime against humanity,” saying: “Press freedom and human values have been targeted...

The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) has issued a statement strongly condemning the Israeli strikes on Nasser Hospital in Gaza. The New York-based press freedom group said it “calls for the international community to hold Israel accountable for its continued unlawful attacks on the press.” The statement added: “Israel's broadcasted killing of journalists in Gaza continues while the world watches and fails to act firmly.” Sara Qudah, CPJ’s regional director, described the recent incidents as “the most horrific attacks the press has ever faced in recent history.” Earlier, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) reiterated that it “does not target journalists as such.” ...

US President Donald Trump has given his first reaction to this morning’s deadly strikes on Nasser Hospital in Gaza.

When asked about the attack, Trump initially appeared unaware, asking: “When did this happen?”

Pressed for a response, he said:

“I don’t want to see it. At the same time, we have to end it all. Nightmare.”

He also raised the issue of Israeli hostages still held in Gaza, calling the situation “nasty.”

BBC has been able to confirm the identities of three of the five journalists reported killed in Israeli strikes on Nasser Hospital in Gaza. Mohammad Salama — worked for Al Jazeera. Seen wearing a light blue shirt in a livestream by Al Ghad TV; videos and images of his body were verified against his official Instagram profile photo. Moaz Abu Taha — identified in the same livestream wearing a black shirt and filming on his phone. Facial features strongly matched with his Instagram profile photo, with additional confirmation via a facial recognition tool. Hussam al-Masri — Reuters cameraman, killed while filming a livestream...

UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy has said he is “horrified” by the deadly Israeli strike on a hospital in southern Gaza.

Writing on X, Lammy added:

“Civilians, healthcare workers and journalists must be protected. We need an immediate ceasefire.”

As reported earlier, the Israeli military confirmed it carried out a strike in the area of Nasser Hospital, while the Hamas-run Civil Defence said several people were killed in the initial strike, with more casualties in a second hit as rescuers rushed to help.

(Image Credits: Reuters)

Eyewitnesses inside Nasser Hospital have described the devastating impact of today’s strikes. Hadil Abu Zaid, a programme officer with Medical Aid for Palestinians, said she was visiting the ICU when “explosions tore through the operating theatre right next to us.” She called the scene “unbearable”, adding: “You feel helpless and heartbroken, knowing that no matter how skilled or dedicated the medical teams are, there simply aren’t enough resources for the scale of this pain.” A British medical professional at the hospital, who asked to remain anonymous, said they too were in the ICU when the first strike hit. Just as they were preparing...

The Foreign Press Association (FPA) has called for an “immediate explanation” from the Israeli military and the Prime Minister’s office following the deaths of several international journalists in Khan Younis. “This is among the deadliest Israeli attacks on journalists working for international media since the Gaza war began,” the FPA said in a statement. The group added that the strike on Nasser Hospital “came with no warning” and hit an exterior staircase where journalists often positioned their cameras. The association, which represents and supports journalists worldwide, urged Israel to “halt its abhorrent practice of targeting journalists.” In response earlier today, the Israel Defense Forces...

Details are emerging about the journalists killed in the Israeli strike on Nasser Hospital in Gaza:

• Hussam al-Masri – Cameraman with Reuters, killed in the first strike.
• Mariam Dagga (33) – Freelance journalist working with the Associated Press (AP).
• Mohammed Salama – Worked with Al Jazeera and Middle East Eye.
• Ahmad Abu Aziz – Freelance journalist for Middle East Eye, based in Khan Younis.
• Moaz Abu Taha – Outlet affiliation not yet confirmed. US network NBC clarified he did not work with them, correcting earlier reports.

These deaths add to the growing toll of journalists killed in the conflict, many while reporting directly from the frontlines.

Today’s strike comes just two weeks after six journalists — including four working for Al Jazeera — were killed in an Israeli targeted attack near al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City.

The UN Human Rights Office condemned that attack as a grave breach of international law.

At the time, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said it had targeted Anas al-Sharif, a well-known Al Jazeera reporter, alleging he had led a Hamas cell. However, the IDF has not provided conclusive evidence to substantiate the claim, which was widely questioned internationally.

We can now bring you an image just released on the wires showing a man holding up the equipment used by Reuters contractor Hussam al-Masri at the site in Khan Younis where he was killed.

Reuters says the photo was taken from a video filmed by Hatem Khaled, another of its contractors who was himself injured in a second strike while documenting the aftermath.

The image, distributed by Reuters, underscores the dangers faced by journalists reporting from inside Gaza.

(Image Credits: Reuters)

Reuters has confirmed that its cameraman Hussam al-Masri was among those killed in the strike on Nasser Hospital in Gaza. The agency said one of its contractors, photographer Hatem Khaled, was also injured. “We are devastated to learn of the death of Reuters contractor Hussam al-Masri and injuries to another of our contractors, Hatem Khaled, in Israeli strikes on the Nasser hospital in Gaza today,” a Reuters spokesperson said. The Associated Press (AP) confirmed the death of Mariam Dagga, a 33-year-old freelance journalist working for the agency. AP said it was “shocked and saddened” by the loss. The other journalists reported killed are...