The killing of five Palestinian journalists in Gaza by Israeli forces, bringing the total number of journalists killed since the outbreak of the war to 247,"should shock the world into action," the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights said.

UNHCR spokesperson Thamin Al-Khaitan explained that the Israeli bombing of Nasser Hospital in Khan Yunis on Monday resulted in the deaths of at least 20 people, including four health workers and five journalists, according to a statement on the United Nations website.

Al-Khaitan pointed out that the videos showed a second airstrike targeting paramedics who had arrived after the initial attack on the largest medical facility in southern Gaza. He explained that one journalist was killed in the first strike, while three others, including a female journalist, were killed in the second strike.

He added,"This is shocking and unacceptable... Journalists are the eyes and ears of the world and must be protected. All these incidents must be investigated and those responsible held accountable."

He stressed that targeting journalists and hospitals is prohibited under international law, noting that the Commission continues to verify the details.

For her part, UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay condemned the killings, reiterating her call for respect for Security Council Resolution 2222 of 2015 on the protection of journalists and media workers in conflict. She announced that the organization is providing emergency assistance to journalists in Gaza, including psychological support, the provision of necessary equipment, and capacity building.