‘Shocking’: India on journalists' deaths in Gaza

The Ministry of External Affairs on Wednesday (Aug 27) condemned the killingof five journalists in Gaza during an Israeli strike on a hospital, calling it “shocking and deeply regrettable,” and reiterated its opposition

to theloss of civilian lives in conflict.

MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said India was aware of the investigation launched by Israeli authorities into the incident.

Responding to queries on the deaths in Khan Younis, Jaiswal said, “The killing of journalists is shocking and deeply regrettable. India has always condemned loss of civilian lives in conflict. We understand that the Israeli authorities have already instituted an investigation.”

At least 20 people were killed in Monday’s strike on Gaza’s

Nasser Hospital, including Mariam Abu Dagga, a freelancer for the Associated Press, Mohammed Salama of Al Jazeera, Moaz Abu Taha, a contributor to Reuters, and Ahmed Abu Aziz.

Five journalists working with Reuters, Associated Press, Al Jazeera and Middle East Eye were among those killed in the hospital strike, while a sixth journalist died in a separate attack in Khan Younis the same day. The World Health Organization (WHO) said four health workers also lost their lives in the attack.

According to

Gaza’s civil defence, Israeli forces carried out a “double tap” strike — the first hitting a hospital building, followed by a second when rescuers and journalists rushed in, killing many. Footage showed the moment rescuers and media workers were directly hit.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described the incident as a “tragic mishap” and said an investigation was underway. The Israeli military later claimed the strike targeted a Hamas-operated camera, not journalists.

The war in Gaza has

been one of the deadliest conflicts for journalists, with nearly 200 media workers killed since October 2023, according to press watchdogs. Israel has barred independent international reporters from entering the Gaza Strip throughout the conflict.

India, which had initially expressed solidarity with Israel after the October 2023 Hamas attacks, has since adopted a more nuanced stance. New Delhi has called for an end to hostilities, the release of all hostages, humanitarian access to Gaza, and a return to talks for a two-state solution.

Monday’s strike killed at least 20 people in Khan Younis, including the five journalists, drawing international condemnation.