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), had been amongst not less than 20 killed within the strike on Nasser Hospital in Khan Yunis, southern Gaza.
In a joint letter, they stated that “several” journalists had been killed within the airstrikes.
The assault got here as Israel prepares to increase its army offensive within the enclave, having earlier this month permitted plans to take management of Gaza Metropolis regardless of worldwide criticism.
Jerusalem has stated its targets 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 staff, and all civilians. The military authorities are conducting a thorough investigation. Our war is with Hamas terrorists. Our just goals are defeating Hamas and bringing our hostages home,” Netanyahu stated in a press release on Monday.
Israel Protection Forces (IDF) spokesperson Gen. Effie Defrin confirmed the army was conscious of stories that civilians, together with journalists, had been harmed.
In a press release on Monday, Defrin stated that the IDF doesn’t deliberately goal civilians.
“The IDF makes every effort to mitigate harm to civilians, while ensuring the safety of our troops. Any incident that raises concern in this regard is addressed by the relevant mechanisms in the IDF,” he stated.
“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.”
In response to the IDF, Chief of the Normal Employees Eyal Zamir has directed an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the strike.
“Reporting from an active warzone carries immense risk, especially in a war with a terrorist organization such as Hamas, who cynically hides behind the civilian population. As always, we will present our findings as transparently as possible,” Defrin added.
AP and Reuters, in a joint letter to Israeli authorities on Monday, known as for a proof over the airstrikes that struck Nasser Hospital.
The letter emphasised Israel’s obligations below worldwide regulation to guard journalists and civilians and to take precautions to keep away from hurt.
“We hope this probe will be quick, thorough, and provide clear answers. These deaths demand urgent and transparent accountability,” the letter stated.
The 2 information organizations stated they had been taking all potential 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 happy about it.”
“I didn’t know that. Well, I’m not happy about it. I don’t want to see it. At the same time, we have to end that whole nightmare,” he instructed reporters on Monday.
The U.N. Secretary-Normal António Guterres, alongside the UK and France, has condemned the assault, calling for an investigation.
A assertion by U.N. spokesman Stéphane Dujarric on Monday stated medical personnel and journalists should have the ability to carry out their important duties with out interference, intimidation, or hurt, in keeping with worldwide humanitarian regulation.
Guterres known as for a cease-fire, unfettered humanitarian entry throughout Gaza, and for the rapid 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.
“Permanent cease-fire, release of all hostages, massive delivery of humanitarian aid, and a lasting political solution including the disarmament of Hamas and a stabilization mission: we are working closely with Qatar so that the mediators’ efforts succeed and in view of the conference on the two-state solution 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 help.
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 folks, largely civilians, and capturing 251 hostages.
In response to the Hamas-run Gaza Well being Ministry, greater than 62,000 folks have been killed for the reason that 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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