Israel’s military has denied intentionally targeting journalists in a double strike on a Gaza hospital on Monday. The first strike hit the top floor, resulting in the death of a Reuters cameraman and one other person. A second projectile landed shortly after, as people rushed to assist those affected by the initial strike. Photos taken from below showed at least 16 people, including four wearing emergency responders’ orange vests, gathered on the staircase. None of them were seen with a weapon.
The attack resulted in the deaths of 20 people, including five journalists. The Israeli military released a report on Tuesday, stating that the strike was aimed at a suspected Hamas surveillance camera. However, the military did not provide an explanation for the second strike or offer evidence to support its claim that six of the deceased were militants.
The attack has been widely condemned by international leaders and rights groups. Anouar El Anouni, a spokesperson for the European Commission, described the killing of civilians and journalists as “completely unacceptable” and emphasized that they must be protected under international law. The United Nations Human Rights Office also expressed outrage, with spokesperson Thameen Al-Kheetan calling for accountability and justice.
The Israel-Hamas conflict has been particularly deadly for media workers, with 189 Palestinian journalists killed by Israeli fire in Gaza over the past 22 months, according to the Committee to Protect Journalists. The conflict has raised concerns about the safety of civilians and journalists in the region.
Israel’s investigation into the incident has been criticized for lacking transparency. The military’s chief of general staff acknowledged “gaps” in the investigation, including the type of ammunition used to target the suspected surveillance camera. The Israeli military has previously identified emergency responders working under the Hamas-run government as militants, raising questions about the accuracy of its claims.
The incident has significant implications for the protection of civilians and journalists in conflict zones. International leaders have called for accountability and justice, emphasizing the need for a thorough and transparent investigation into the incident. As the conflict in Gaza continues, the safety of civilians and journalists remains a pressing concern.
