DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip (AP) - A devastating airstrike on a hospital in southern Gaza on Monday resulted in the deaths of at least eight individuals, four of whom were journalists. Among the fallen was Mariam Dagga, a 33-year-old freelancer who had been contributing to the Associated Press (AP) since the start of the Gaza war. Her reports shed light on the dire conditions faced by children in the region, particularly focusing on the struggles of doctors at Nasser Hospital to save young patients suffering from starvation despite having no prior health issues.

The strike on Nasser Hospital not only claimed lives but also highlighted the increasing peril faced by media personnel in conflict zones. Al Jazeera confirmed that their journalist Mohammed Salam was killed in the attack. Meanwhile, Reuters reported that their contractor cameraman Hussam al-Masri also lost his life in the same incident. In addition, photographer Hatem Khaled, another contractor for Reuters, was reported wounded during the strike.

This incident underscores the escalating violence in the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict, which has been marked as one of the bloodiest episodes for media workers. According to the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), a staggering total of 192 journalists have been killed in Gaza over the course of the 22-month conflict. In stark contrast, the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war has seen significantly fewer casualties among journalists, with 18 reported fatalities thus far, as per the CPJ's records.

The Israeli Prime Minister's Office and the military have refrained from commenting on the tragic incident at Nasser Hospital, thereby leaving many questions unanswered regarding the circumstances that led to the strike. The silence of officials highlights the complexities and political sensitivities surrounding the conflict, particularly in relation to civilian protection and press freedom.

This airstrike reflects a grim reality for reporters working in the Gaza Strip, as they navigate the dangers posed by military actions while striving to cover critical stories. The loss of Mariam Dagga, Mohammed Salam, and others emphasizes the vital yet perilous role that journalists play in documenting events in conflict zones, often at great personal risk.