Four journalists killed in Israeli strike on hospital in Gaza
The Israeli army attacked a hospital in the Gaza Strip. Several journalists were among the dead. Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu called it a “tragic accident.” The military now plans to investigate the incident more closely.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed his regret after an Israeli attack in the southern Gaza Strip that left several people dead. “Israel deeply regrets the tragic accident that occurred today at Nasser Hospital in Gaza,” said a statement released by Netanyahu’s office this evening.
According to the hospital, 19 people, including five journalists, were killed in the Israeli attack this morning at the clinic in Khan Yunis. The Hamas-controlled health authority reported 20 deaths. According to Nasser Hospital, they were fatally hit in an airstrike while on the fourth floor of the clinic.
Israel appreciates the work of journalists, medical personnel, and all civilians, the statement continued. The military is conducting a “thorough investigation” into the incident. At the same time, Netanyahu emphasized that Israel’s war is directed against Hamas. “Our just goals are the defeat of Hamas and the return of our hostages.”
Foreign Office demands clarification
An Israeli military spokesman said the army does not intentionally attack civilians. However, the troops operate in an “extremely complex reality.” He added that Hamas terrorists deliberately use civilian infrastructure, including hospitals, as human shields. They have even operated from Nasser Hospital in the past.
The international outrage over the attack on the clinic is widespread. The Foreign Office, for example, expressed shock at the incident. “The attack must be investigated,” the ministry wrote on X.
According to the Associated Press, AP freelancer Mariam Dagga was among those killed. She had a 12-year-old son who had previously been evacuated from the Gaza Strip during the war. “We are doing everything in our power to protect our journalists in the Gaza Strip as they continue to provide crucial eyewitness reports under difficult and dangerous conditions,” the AP said.
The Reuters news agency reported that its freelancer, Hussam al-Masri, was killed in the attack. Another photographer from the agency, also a freelancer, was injured. The Arab television station Al Jazeera reported that a cameraman from the station was fatally wounded.
The fourth journalist killed worked as a freelancer for various media outlets. According to Reuters, his work was occasionally published by the news agency. He also recently photographed for the Israeli newspaper “Haaretz,” the paper reported to X.
According to Gaza sources, the fifth was a freelancer for several Arab media outlets. According to reports from the Palestinian news agency Wafa, paramedics were also killed in the attack on the clinic.
