The UN Human Rights Office on Tuesday called for accountability for the killing of journalists in the occupied Gaza strip.
At least 20 Palestinians, including five journalists, were killed on Monday in an Israeli attack on Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis, southern Gaza Strip, according to a press statement issued by Gaza-based health authorities following the attack.
The attacks on journalists are unacceptable, and at least 247 Palestinian journalists have been killed in Gaza since October 7, 2023, the spokesman said.
"This is a shock, and this is unacceptable. We know that the Israeli army has announced that there will be an inquiry. This incident and the killing of all civilians, including journalists, must be thoroughly and independently investigated, and justice must follow," he said.
Other leaders and international organizations have also condemned the attack.
Anouar El Anouni, spokesman for EU Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, said at a press conference on Tuesday that the Israeli strike targeting the Nasser hospital is unacceptable. He also said that the EU calls on Israel to abide by the international law and to ensure the security of both civilians and journalists.
UNRWA commissioner-general Philippe Lazzarini said that the Israeli military attack "has silenced the last voices reporting on the silent deaths of children from famine in the Gaza Strip".
The World Health Organization said that while the people in the Gaza Strip endure famine, the already limited health services have been further weakened by repeated attacks, so assaults on healthcare facilities must stop.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Qatar strongly condemned the Israeli military's attacks. Calling these attacks a flagrant violation of international law, the ministry urged the international community to take urgent action to provide protection for local civilians and hold the perpetrators accountable.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Egypt said that these attacks represent yet another example of Israel's flagrant violation of international humanitarian law. It emphasized that the UN Security Council and the international community should shoulder their responsibilities and carry out effective intervention.
Other countries including Iran, Jordan, Türkiye, and Germany have also issued statements condemning the Israeli military's attacks on civilians in the Gaza Strip.
UN Human Rights Office calls for accountability for killing of journalists
UN Human Rights Office calls for accountability for killing of journalists
