We, the undersigned organizations, members of the International Association of Press Clubs (IAPC), stand together in profound shock and deep sorrow at the tragic loss of life caused by the recent airstrike on Nasser Hospital in southern Gaza. According to multiple credible reports, the attack claimed at least 15 lives, including five journalists: Ahmed Abu Aziz (Middle East Eye), Hussam al-Masri (Reuters), Mariam Abu Dagga (Associated Press), Mohammed Salam (Al Jazeera), and Moaz Abu Taha (NBC). Reuters photographer Hatem Khaled was also seriously injured while covering the aftermath.

This devastating event is part of a broader and alarming trend that has made the Gaza conflict the deadliest for journalists in recent history. Since October 2023, dozens – and by some accounts, nearly two hundred – media professionals have been killed while performing their duty to inform the world.

We extend our deepest condolences to the families and colleagues of those killed, and reaffirm our commitment to supporting moral, professional, and material efforts to assist the bereaved families.

Under international law, journalists are civilians and must be protected at all times. Attacks on medical facilities – particularly those resulting in the deaths of journalists and emergency personnel – must be unequivocally condemned and subjected to a thorough, independent investigation. These acts not only endanger lives but also strike at the core of press freedom and the public’s right to information.

Accordingly, we, the undersigned organizations, members of the IAPC, state that we:

• Condemn the airstrike on Nasser Hospital and the resulting loss of civilian and journalistic lives.
• Demand an immediate, impartial international investigation to establish accountability.
• Call on all parties to uphold international humanitarian law and press freedom protections, ensuring the safety of journalists – especially those clearly identified as press and working in protected areas such as hospitals.
• Stand in solidarity with the affected media organizations – Reuters, AP, Al Jazeera, NBC and Middle East Eye – and with all journalists reporting from conflict zones.

No professional duty should come at the cost of a journalist’s life. The world must not forget those who have fallen, nor the principles of truth and accountability they died upholding.

• • • Berlin Press Club
    • Foreign Correspondents’ Club of Japan
    • Foreign Correspondents’ Club of South Asia
    • Overseas Press Club of America
    • Press Club Concordia
    • Press Club Polska