Five journalists among at least 20 killed in Israeli strikes on Gaza hospital as Netanyahu issues statement

The number of people killed in Israeli strikes on Nasser Hospital in Gaza on Monday has risen to at least 20 people, Palestinian health officials said.

Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel "deeply regrets" the "tragic mishap" that took place at the Nasser Hospital.

"Israel values the work of journalists, medical staff, and all civilians" his statement on X read. "The military authorities are conducting a thorough investigation."

The statement, released by the PM's office, concludes by saying that "our war is with Hamas terrorists. Our just goals are defeating Hamas and bringing our hostages home".

At least 192 journalists have been killed since the start of the war in October 2023, at least 184 of which were Palestinians killed in Israeli attacks.

The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) has accused Israel of "engaging in the deadliest and most deliberate effort to kill and silence journalists" it had ever documented.

Responding to the incident, Israeli Defence Force spokesperson Effie Defrin said they were "aware of reports" but insisted "the IDF does not intentionally target civilians."

Cameraman Hussam al-Masri, one of the journalists killed in the strikes according to the officials, was a contractor for Reuters.

Photographer Hatem Khaled, who was also a Reuters contractor, was wounded.

Al Jazeera photojournalist Mohammed Salama was killed, the publication confirmed.

Moaz Abu Taha, a journalist with NBC Network, and journalist Mariam Dagga were also killed in the attack.

Journalist Ahmed Abu Aziz became the fifth journalist to be confirmed killed after he succumbed to his wounds.

"The IDF makes every effort to mitigate harm to civilians, while ensuring the safety of our troops," Defrin added.

But Israeli 'double-tap' strikes have been particularly fatal for journalists. The strategy sees an initial attack followed closely by a second bombing, often killing rescue workers and journalists that rush to the scene.

The spokesman continued: "Any incident that raises concern in this regard is addressed by the relevant mechanisms in the IDF.

"We are operating in an extremely complex reality.

"Hamas terrorists deliberately use civilian infrastructure, including hospitals, as shields. They have even operated from the Nasser hospital itself."

The Associated Press said they are "shocked and saddened" to learn of the death of visual journalist Ms Dagga.

In a statement they said: "Mariam regularly based herself at the hospital for coverage. Her recent work included strong stories of starving and malnourished children in Gaza.

"She freelanced for the AP and other news outlets. We are doing everything we can to keep our journalists in Gaza safe as they continue to provide crucial eyewitness reporting in difficult and dangerous conditions."

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The health ministry says there have been two strikes. According to Reuters, witnesses said the second strike took place after rescue workers, journalists and other people had rushed to the site of the initial attack on Nasser Hospital.

The Reuters live video feed from the hospital, which was operated by Masri, suddenly shut down at the moment of the initial strike, Reuters footage showed.

A Reuters spokesperson said: "We are devastated to learn that cameraman Hussam al-Masri, a contractor for Reuters, was killed this morning in Israeli strikes on Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis in Gaza.

"Moaz Abu Taha, a freelance journalist whose work had been occasionally published by Reuters, was also killed, and photographer Hatem Khaled, a Reuters contractor, was wounded.

"We send our deep condolences and thoughts to Hussam’s and Moaz’s families and loved ones and will support them as best we can.

"We have asked authorities in Gaza and Israel to help us get urgent medical assistance for Hatem.

"We are also seeking more information from Israeli authorities about these latest strikes."

The Israeli Defence Force released a statement saying: "Earlier today (Monday), IDF troops carried out a strike in the area of Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis.

"The Chief of the General Staff instructed to conduct an initial inquiry as soon as possible.

"The IDF regrets any harm to uninvolved individuals and does not target journalists as such.

"The IDF acts to mitigate harm to uninvolved individuals as much as possible while maintaining the safety of IDF troops."

British Foreign Secretary David Lammy said he was “horrified” by the attack on Nasser Hospital, in the south of the Gaza Strip.

Writing on social media site X, Mr Lammy said: “Horrified by Israel’s attack on Nasser hospital.

“Civilians, healthcare workers and journalists must be protected. We need an immediate ceasefire.”

US President Donald Trump said he was “not happy” about the hospital attack when asked about it by reporters at the White House.