Palestinian journalist Mariam Riyad Abu Dagga was killed on August 25, 2025, in an Israeli airstrike on Nasser Hospital (Nasser Medical Complex) in Khan Younis.
SNPNEWS.IN Update 26 August 2025: Israel attacked Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis (southern Gaza) around 10 AM in August 2025. This hospital is one of the few still operational in Gaza, despite being repeatedly targeted during the war.
It was a “double tap” attack, where an initial airstrike was followed by a second strike minutes later. After the first strike, when rescue workers, medical staff, and journalists arrived at the scene, a second attack occurred. In the first strike, Reuters cameraman Hussam Al-Masri, who was broadcasting a live feed, was killed. In the second strike, Mariam Abu Dagga, along with other journalists and medical workers, was killed. The incident was recorded on live video.
According to Gaza health authorities, the attack killed at least 20-22 people, including 5 journalists (Mariam Abu Dagga, Hussam Al-Masri, Mohammed Salama of Al Jazeera, Ahmad Abu Aziz of Middle East Eye, and Moaz Abu Taha), 4 medical workers, and a fire department worker and hospital driver, Imdad Abdul Karim Al-Shair. Additionally, Reuters photographer Hatem Khalid was injured. The casualties included several children and civilians.
Mariam Riyad Abu Dagga (often referred to as Mariam Abu Dagga) was 33 years old and a freelance visual journalist for the United States Associated Press (AP), Independent Arabia, and other international media outlets. Born in Khan Younis, she graduated from Al-Aqsa University with a degree in journalism. She began her journalism career in 2015 and documented the stories of Gaza’s civilians, especially children and those suffering from famine, bringing them to the world’s attention.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed the airstrike but stated they do not target journalists and expressed regret for any civilian casualties. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called it a “tragic mishap” and announced an investigation. The IDF claimed they were targeting Hamas militants.
In the Israel-Hamas war (since October 2023), at least 197-245 journalists have been killed, more than in any other conflict (compared to 18 in Ukraine). The war began after a Hamas attack on Israel (1,200 killed), with over 62,000 Palestinians killed in Gaza. Gaza has been described as “the most dangerous place in the world for journalists.” This attack is seen as an assault on press freedom and medical facilities.
Under international law, journalists and hospitals are supposed to be protected, yet Israel has repeatedly violated these protections.