Investigation Ongoing After Strike on Gaza Hospital
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has announced that an investigation is underway following an incident in which Israel reportedly struck a hospital in southern Gaza, resulting in the deaths of at least 20 people on Monday.
Netanyahu expressed regret over the fatalities and emphasized that Israel did not intentionally target civilians in its conflict with Hamas. Among those who lost their lives were five journalists affiliated with news organizations like Reuters, The Associated Press, and Al Jazeera.
“Israel deeply regrets the tragic disaster at Nasser Hospital in Gaza,” a statement from Netanyahu’s office read. They highlighted the importance of journalists, medical personnel, and all civilians. Military officials are conducting thorough investigations, as the ongoing conflict involves Hamas militants.
Reports indicated that two shells struck Nasser Hospital in Khan Yunis, with Israeli media suggesting that forces targeted the hospital and nearby surveillance equipment used by Hamas. Palestinian health officials stated that photographer Husam Al Masri, a contract worker for Reuters, was killed near the roof just below where the first shell hit.
Further escalation occurred when Israeli forces returned to the site, leading to additional casualties among journalists and rescue workers, according to hospital staff and witnesses.
Brigadier General Effy Deflin, a spokesperson for the IDF, reiterated Netanyahu’s sentiments and claimed that the military is striving to minimize civilian casualties while ensuring military safety. “We operate in a very complicated reality. The Hamas terrorists deliberately exploit civilian infrastructure, including hospitals,” Deflin stated in a video on social media.
Deflin also highlighted the challenges posed by Hamas using civilians as shields, mentioning that the group is holding hostages, which complicates military operations further.
The journalists who lost their lives included Mariam Abu Daga, a freelance contributor to the Associated Press, and Mohamed Salama from Al Jazeera. Another victim, More’s Abu Taha, freelanced for multiple outlets, including Reuters.
While Israel aims to adhere to international obligations, Deflin acknowledged the substantial risks involved for reporters in active war zones, especially when covering conflicts involving groups like Hamas, which tend to hide behind civilian populations.
To add to the tragedy, Hatem Khaled, another photographer with Reuters, sustained injuries during the incident.
