Israel’s Prime Minister announced an ongoing investigation following reports that an Israeli strike on a hospital in the southern Gaza Strip on Monday resulted in at least 20 fatalities, according to various media outlets.
Netanyahu expressed Israel’s regret over the deadly event and reaffirmed that Israel does not deliberately target civilians in its conflict with Hamas. Among the deceased, reports indicated, were five journalists affiliated with news organizations such as Reuters, The Associated Press, and Al Jazeera.
“Israel deeply regrets the tragic mishap that occurred today at the Nasser Hospital in Gaza,” Netanyahu’s office stated.
The statement continued, asserting, “Israel values the work of journalists, medical staff and all civilians. The military authorities are conducting a thorough investigation. Our war is with Hamas. Our just goals are defeating Hamas and bringing our hostages home.”
Reports, citing medical officials, detailed that two shells struck Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis in quick succession. Israeli media further reported that Israeli troops had fired these artillery rounds at the hospital to target a Hamas surveillance camera located on the roof.
Palestinian health officials confirmed that cameraman Hussam al-Masri, a contractor for Reuters, was killed in the initial strike near a live broadcasting position on an upper floor just below the roof.
Subsequently, Israel reportedly struck the site again, leading to the deaths of additional journalists, as well as rescue workers and medics who had rushed to assist, according to hospital officials and witnesses who spoke to Reuters.
Brig. Gen. Effie Defrin, an IDF Spokesperson, echoed Prime Minister Netanyahu’s sentiments, stressing the military’s commitment to mitigating civilian harm while prioritizing troop safety.
In a video published on social media, Defrin declared, “We are operating in an extremely complex reality. Hamas terrorists deliberately use civilian infrastructure, including hospitals, as shields. They have even operated from the Nasser Hospital itself. Hamas began this war, created impossible fighting conditions and is preventing its end by still holding 50 of our hostages.”
Defrin affirmed that the IDF would adhere to international obligations and committed to “investigate the deadly incident thoroughly and professionally.”
He further added, “Reporting from an active war zone carries immense risk, especially in a war with a terrorist organization such as Hamas, who cynically hides behind the civilian population.”
The other journalists identified among the deceased included Mariam Abu Dagga, who freelanced for The Associated Press and other news outlets; Mohammed Salama, employed by Al Jazeera; Moaz Abu Taha, a freelancer contributing to various news organizations, including Reuters; and Ahmed Abu Aziz.
Photographer Hatem Khaled, also a Reuters contractor, sustained injuries.
’ Yael Kuriel, Reuters and