Israeli Strike Kills Gaza Journalist at Hospital

Israeli forces conducted a targeted strike on Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis, southern Gaza, killing two people, including prominent Palestinian journalist Hassan Eslaih (also known as Hassan Aslih), who was being treated for injuries from a previous Israeli attack. Israel claims the hospital was being used as a Hamas command center and alleged Eslaih was a Hamas operative involved in the October 7 attack, accusations denied by Palestinian officials and media organizations. The strike, occurring after a brief pause in fighting for a hostage release, has drawn condemnation from press freedom groups, with the Committee to Protect Journalists reporting at least 178 journalists have been killed in the conflict. Eslaih was known for his frontline reporting for international outlets. Palestinian sources and hospital workers criticized the attack as targeting civilians and medical facilities, while Israel maintains it was a legitimate military operation. The incident highlights disputes over the targeting of journalists and the use of civilian infrastructure in Gaza.