The Israeli military confirmed on Tuesday that its forces conducted air strikes targeting what they described as a Hamas-operated camera, which subsequently resulted in the deaths of five journalists during a previous attack on a hospital in Khan Yunis. This incident has drawn widespread international condemnation.
The ongoing conflict in Gaza has proven to be particularly deadly for members of the press, with reports indicating that around 200 journalists have lost their lives since the onset of the Israeli military campaign nearly two years ago. The tragic strike on Monday in southern Gaza claimed at least 20 lives, including those of journalists from major news organizations such as Al Jazeera, the Associated Press, and Reuters.
Reports from Gaza’s civil defense agency noted that the initial attack was launched by an Israeli explosive drone, which targeted a building within the hospital premises. This drone strike was followed by an airstrike as emergency responders attempted to evacuate the wounded from the scene.
In its statement, the Israeli military explained that the air strikes on the medical facility were executed after their soldiers identified a camera placed by Hamas in the vicinity of Nasser Hospital. The military contended that the strikes aimed to neutralize a threat posed by this camera. They further claimed that six of the deceased individuals were affiliated with Hamas, and outlined that the Chief of Staff would review the authorization processes leading up to the strike.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed remorse over the incident, labeling it a “tragic mishap.” The strike has drawn criticism from an array of entities, including traditional Israeli allies, various media organizations, rights groups, the United Nations, and the Foreign Press Association in Israel.
This latest incident follows a recent airstrike earlier in the month, which resulted in the deaths of four Al Jazeera staff members and two freelance reporters just outside Al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City. The Israeli military previously alleged that Anas al-Sharif, who was among those killed in that strike, led a Hamas “terrorist cell” responsible for orchestrating rocket attacks against Israeli targets.
The current hostilities in Gaza began following an attack by Hamas in October 2023 that resulted in the deaths of 1,219 individuals, predominantly civilians, according to figures compiled by AFP. In retaliation, Israeli operations have reportedly taken the lives of at least 62,819 Palestinians, the majority of whom are also civilians, based on information provided by the health ministry in Hamas-controlled Gaza, a source the United Nations has deemed credible.
