News - World: International condemnations continue to pour in after an Israeli airstrike on Gaza’s Al Nasser Hospital left nearly two dozen people dead, including five journalists.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has strongly condemned the attack on Nasser Hospital as horrific.

In a statement released by his spokesperson, Stephane Dujarric, on Monday, Guterres called for a prompt and impartial investigation into the incident.

"The Secretary-General strongly condemns the killing of Palestinians today in Israeli strikes that hit Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis. Those killed, in addition to civilians, included medical personnel and journalists," the statement declared.

"These latest horrific killings underscore the extreme risks that medical personnel and journalists face as they carry out their essential work amid this brutal conflict," it continued.

Guterres emphasized the need for medical personnel and journalists to perform their vital duties without interference, intimidation, or harm.

Reporters Without Borders also said Israel is deliberately targeting journalists in Gaza, calling for an emergency UN Security Council meeting to end the massacre of media workers.

Doctors Without Borders condemned the Israeli attacks on Gaza’s Nasser Medical Complex, expressing outrage over the ongoing assaults on healthcare workers and journalists in the region, which continue with total impunity.

The organization called for an end to the genocide in Gaza and for Israel to be held accountable.

The attack has also drawn condemnation from the Arab League, the Palestinian Journalists Syndicate, Turkey, and Spain.

Canada expressed its horror over the Israeli strikes on Nasser Hospital, labeling the attack “unacceptable.”

In posts on X, the Canadian Foreign Ministry reiterated Ottawa's longstanding condemnation of all violence against journalists and media workers.

“Israel has an obligation to protect civilians, including journalists and healthcare workers, operating in Gaza,” the ministry stated.

“Canada urges an immediate and permanent ceasefire, the protection of civilians, the unconditional release of the remaining hostages, and increased UN-led humanitarian aid, which must be allowed to reach those in need.”

The Palestinian Presidency condemned the attack as “a new war crime,” asserting that it adds to a long history of crimes and massacres committed by the Israeli occupation to suppress the Palestinian media and the voice of truth.

According to the Palestinian Health Ministry, the first strike hit the hospital’s fourth floor, followed by a second strike that targeted ambulance crews and emergency personnel.

The Israeli military has admitted to the attack that resulted in the deaths of journalists working with international outlets, including the Associated Press, Reuters, Al Jazeera, and the Middle East Eye.

The Foreign Press Association, representing international media in the occupied territories and Palestine, expressed outrage and shock at the assault, demanding an immediate explanation from the Israeli military and the Israeli prime minister’s office.

“We call on Israel once and for all to halt its abhorrent practice of targeting journalists,” the association stated.

“This must be a watershed moment. We appeal to international leaders: Do everything you can to protect our colleagues. We cannot do it ourselves.”

Since October 2023, Israel has reportedly killed 62,744 Palestinians, predominantly women and children, and injured 158,259 others as part of its genocidal war against the besieged territory, according to Gaza's health ministry.

Source: Press TV