Israeli Strike Kills 5 Journalists in ‘Tragic Mishap’

At least 20 people, including five journalists, were killed in strikes on a hospital in Gaza Monday in what Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described as a “tragic mishap.” 

Two Israeli strikes reportedly hit the hospital located in the southern half of the Gaza Strip.  

“Israel deeply regrets the tragic mishap that occurred today at the Nasser Hospital in Gaza,” Netanyahu said in a statement in X.   

“Israel values the work of journalists, medical staff, and all civilians. The military authorities are conducting a thorough investigation,” he said. “Our war is with Hamas terrorists. Our just goals are defeating Hamas and bringing our hostages home.” 

Among those killed were journalists who worked for The Associated Press, Reuters, and Al Jazeera.  

Cameraman Hussam al-Masri contracted for Reuters, according to the outlet, and was killed on an upper floor of the hospital. Reuter’s freelancer Moaz Abu Taha was also killed. Mariam Dagga was a visual journalist and freelanced for The Associated Press. Al Jazeera journalist Mohammed Salama was also killed in the strike along with Ahmad Abu Aziz, who had worked as a freelancer for Middle East Eye, according to The Associated Press.  

“I would like to be clear from the start—the [Israel Defense Forces] does not intentionally target civilians,” IDF spokesperson BG Effie Defrin said in a video message following the incident.  

“We are operating in an extremely complex reality,” Defrin continued. “Hamas terrorists deliberately use civilian infrastructure, including hospitals, as shields. They have even operated from the Nasser Hospital itself.”  

Hamas started the war with Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, and is preventing the end of the war by keeping 50 hostages in Gaza, Defrin said.  

Hamas is holding 20 hostages who are believed to still be alive along with the remains of another 30 who are suspected dead.  

Negotiations for a hostage deal and ceasefire are ongoing as Israel prepares to expand its campaign in Gaza and take control of Gaza City, Gaza’s largest city.  

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