Al Jazeera’s Salama Among Five Gaza Journalists Killed in Israeli Attack

Tone & Political Bias: Strongly Left-Leaning

Why: The reporting frames Israel’s actions as deliberate targeting of journalists and emphasizes terms like “genocide” and “occupation crimes,” echoing narratives critical of Israel without balancing Israeli claims.

What Happened

Five Palestinian journalists, including Al Jazeera photographer Mohammad Salama and Reuters photojournalist Hussam al-Masri, were killed in an Israeli strike on the Nasser Medical Complex in southern Gaza.

Gaza’s Ministry of Health reported the deaths occurred in a double-tap strike—a missile hitting first, followed by another as rescuers arrived.
At least 20 people in total were killed in the attack.
Those killed include:
- Mohammad Salama (Al Jazeera)
- Hussam al-Masri (Reuters)
- Mariam Abu Daqqa (freelance, AP, Independent Arabic)
- Moaz Abu Taha (journalist)
- Ahmed Abu Aziz (Quds Feed Network) – who later succumbed to wounds

Media and International Reaction

Al Jazeera condemned the strike as an attempt to “bury the truth,” highlighting Salama’s death as the second major loss for the network in two weeks.
Reuters confirmed al-Masri’s death and reported their live video feed from the hospital ended at the moment of the strike.
Journalists’ organizations and rights groups condemned the killings, calling Gaza the most dangerous place in the world for reporters.

Human Impact

Salama had been planning his wedding with journalist Hala Asfour, hoping for peace before marrying.
Abu Daqqa leaves behind a 12-year-old son who had been evacuated earlier in the war.
These losses come just two weeks after Al Jazeera journalist Anas al-Sharif and four others were killed in a separate attack near al-Shifa Hospital.

Israel’s Statement

The Israeli army acknowledged a strike “in the area of Nasser Hospital” but provided no details on the target.
The military stated it “does not target journalists as such.”
Critics, including Palestinian journalists, say Israel repeatedly strikes reporters despite these denials.

Rising Journalist Death Toll

At least 273 journalists have been killed in Gaza since October 7, 2023, according to Al Jazeera’s tally.
This is now the highest journalist death toll in any modern conflict, rights groups, including Amnesty International, say.
Hatem Khaled, another Reuters photographer, was injured in the same strike.

Broader Context

Hospitals have been repeatedly struck during the conflict, with Israel claiming—without presenting evidence—that armed groups operate inside.
Rights groups accuse Israel of deliberately targeting journalists, paramedics, and aid workers.
Scholars like Mohamed Elmasry argue Israel has learned it can act without consequences, often denying or shifting blame.

The War’s Toll

Gaza’s Ministry of Health reports more than 62,000 deaths in 22 months of war, over half being women and children.
International Criminal Court has issued war crimes arrest warrants for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant.