India Condemns Killing of Journalists in Gaza Hospital Strike

India on Wednesday expressed concern over the deaths of five journalists, including Associated Press visual journalist Mariam Dagga, in an Israeli strike on Khan Younis’ Nasser hospital earlier this week.

“The killing of journalists is shocking and deeply regrettable,” foreign ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, stressing India’s consistent stand on the protection of civilians in conflict. He noted that Israeli authorities had instituted an investigation.

The strike, among the deadliest to hit both hospitals and journalists in the 22-month war, killed at least 20 others and wounded scores. Israel called the incident a “tragic mishap,” with local media reporting troops fired artillery shells at what they believed was a Hamas surveillance camera.

Journalists from Reuters, Al Jazeera and Middle East Eye were also among the dead. The AP and Reuters have demanded an explanation, saying the victims were clearly reporting in their professional capacity at a site protected under international law.