AP and Reuters demand solutions as Israel calls the incident a ’tragic mishap’ and orders an investigation.
Israeli airstrikes have hit one of many largest hospitals within the Gaza Strip on Aug. 25, killing a number of journalists.
Reuters stated cameraman Hussam al-Masri, a Reuters contractor, and Mariam Dagga, a visible journalist with the Related Press (AP), have been amongst at the very least 20 killed within the strike on Nasser Hospital in Khan Yunis, southern Gaza.
In a joint letter, they stated that “a number of” journalists have been killed within the airstrikes.
The assault got here as Israel prepares to develop its navy offensive within the enclave, having earlier this month authorised plans to take management of Gaza Metropolis regardless of international criticism.
Jerusalem has stated its goals are to safe the discharge of hostages nonetheless held by Hamas and to defeat the terrorist group.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s workplace known as the strike a “tragic mishap” that Israel “deeply regrets.”
“Israel values the work of journalists, medical workers, and all civilians. The navy authorities are conducting an intensive investigation. Our warfare is with Hamas terrorists. Our simply targets are defeating Hamas and bringing our hostages dwelling,” Netanyahu said in a press release on Monday.
Israel Protection Forces (IDF) spokesperson Gen. Effie Defrin confirmed the navy was conscious of studies that civilians, together with journalists, have been harmed.
In a press release on Monday, Defrin stated that the IDF doesn’t deliberately goal civilians.
“The IDF makes each effort to mitigate hurt to civilians, whereas guaranteeing the security of our troops. Any incident that raises concern on this regard is addressed by the related mechanisms within the IDF,” he stated.
“We’re working in an especially advanced actuality. Hamas terrorists intentionally use civilian infrastructure, together with hospitals, as shields. They’ve even operated from the Nasser hospital itself.”
In line with the IDF, Chief of the Normal Employees Eyal Zamir has directed an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the strike.
“Reporting from an lively warzone carries immense threat, particularly in a warfare with a terrorist group reminiscent of Hamas, who cynically hides behind the civilian inhabitants. As at all times, we are going to current our findings as transparently as doable,” Defrin added.
AP and Reuters, in a joint letter to Israeli authorities on Monday, known as for an evidence over the airstrikes that struck Nasser Hospital.
The letter emphasised Israel’s obligations underneath worldwide legislation to guard journalists and civilians and to take precautions to keep away from hurt.
“We hope this probe might be fast, thorough, and supply clear solutions. These deaths demand pressing and clear accountability,” the letter stated.
The 2 information organizations stated they have been taking all doable measures to guard their reporters in Gaza. They urged Israeli authorities to permit unbiased journalists protected and unhindered entry to and from Gaza, and to ensure press freedom and safety.
President Donald Trump, when requested in regards to the Nasser Hospital strike, stated he was “not completely satisfied about it.”
“I didn’t know that. Nicely, I’m not completely satisfied about it. I don’t need to see it. On the identical time, we now have to finish that entire nightmare,” he advised reporters on Monday.
The U.N. Secretary-Normal António Guterres, alongside the UK and France, has condemned the assault, calling for an investigation.
A statement by U.N. spokesman Stéphane Dujarric on Monday stated medical personnel and journalists should be capable of carry out their important duties with out interference, intimidation, or hurt, consistent with worldwide humanitarian legislation.
Guterres known as for a cease-fire, unfettered humanitarian entry throughout Gaza, and for the instant and unconditional launch of all hostages.
The UK and France, each anticipated to acknowledge a Palestinian state in September—a transfer criticized by Israel—have additionally pressed for a cease-fire.
“Everlasting cease-fire, launch of all hostages, huge supply of humanitarian assist, and an enduring political answer together with the disarmament of Hamas and a stabilization mission: we’re working carefully with Qatar in order that the mediators’ efforts succeed and in view of the convention on the two-state answer to be held in New York on Sept. 22,” French President Emmanuel Macros stated on X.
A draft cease-fire deal proposed by Arab mediators final week would final 60 days and embody prisoner-hostage exchanges, repositioning of Israeli forces, and expanded humanitarian assist.
Netanyahu has stated Israel would resume negotiations over the hostages, however solely on phrases acceptable to Israel, which embody Hamas’s defeat.
The warfare in Gaza has raged since Oct. 7, 2023, when Hamas attacked Israel, killing about 1,200 individuals, largely civilians, and capturing 251 hostages.
In line with the Hamas-run Gaza Well being Ministry, greater than 62,000 individuals have been killed because the begin of the warfare. The ministry doesn’t differentiate between civilians and combatants in these casualty figures, and The Epoch Occasions can not confirm the accuracy of that determine.
Reuters contributed to this report.
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