Israel is facing fierce criticism after a pair of strikes on a Gaza hospital killed five journalists as well as medical workers and others on Monday.
At least 20 people were killed in the attack on Monday, according to the Palestinian Ministry of Health, with many more injured.
Israel carried out back-to-back strikes on the Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis separated by only a matter of minutes, the ministry said.
The strike killed journalists, health workers and emergency response crews who had rushed to the scene after the initial attack, the Nasser Hospital said.
Dr. Mohammad Saqer, a hospital spokesman and head of nursing, said that five journalists and four health workers had died.
The journalists killed are Mohammad Salama, a cameraman from Al Jazeera, Hussam Al-Masri, who was a contractor for Reuters, Mariam Abu Dagga, who has worked with the Associated Press (AP) and other outlets throughout the war, and freelance journalists Moath Abu Taha and Ahmed Abu Aziz.
Gaza’s Civil Defense organization said one of its crew members also died in the strike.
The Israeli attacks hit a balcony on the hospital used by reporters for an elevated view of Khan Younis.
A first strike on the hospital hit the fourth floor of Nasser Medical Complex, the health ministry said, followed by a second attack a short time later that hit ambulance crews and emergency responders.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said in an updated statement Monday evening that it “carried out a strike in the area of” the hospital.
IDF spokesman Brig. Gen. Effie Defrin said the military was “aware of reports that harm was caused to civilians, including journalists.” Defin said the military was operating in an “extremely complex reality.”
“The IDF does not intentionally target civilians,” Defrin insisted. “Any incident that raises concern in this regard is addressed by the relevant mechanisms in the IDF.” He blamed Hamas for using civilian infrastructure, including hospitals, as bases.
The military’s chief has instructed an initial inquiry to be opened as soon as possible, and Defrin said the military was obligated to investigate “thoroughly and professionally.”
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, in an admission that Israel had killed journalists and emergency responders, said that Israel “deeply regrets” what he called a “tragic mishap” at Nasser hospital.
“Israel values the work of journalists, medical staff, and all civilians. The military authorities are conducting a thorough investigation,” he said.
Source:CNN/Ejiofor Ezeifeoma