Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has described the double strike on one of Gaza’s main hospitals that killed 20 people — including five journalists — as a “tragic mishap.”
Netanyahu admitted the error hours after multiple missiles hit the Nasser Hospital, the largest in southern Gaza, in quick succession on Monday.
“Israel deeply regrets the tragic mishap that occurred today at the Nasser Hospital in Gaza,” Netanyahu said after the deadly strikes sparked condemnation.
“Israel values the work of journalists, medical staff, and all civilians.”
The Israel Defense Forces acknowledged striking the area and said the chief of the general staff had ordered an inquiry.
The military stopped short of revealing who the intended target of the strike was.
Hamas-tied Palestinian health officials said nearly two dozen people were killed in the blasts — including journalists who worked for Reuters, the Associated Press and Al Jazeera.
Cameraman Hussam al-Masri, a Reuters contractor, was killed when the first strike hit one of the hospital’s top floors, according to the news wire.
Witnesses and hospital employees said a second strike unfolded just minutes after as rescue workers, journalists and others rushed to the site of the initial attack.
The other journalists killed were identified as Mariam Abu Dagga, who freelanced for the Associated Press and other outlets; Mohammed Salama, who worked for Qatar-based broadcaster Al Jazeera; Moaz Abu Taha, a freelance journalist who worked with several news organizations; and Ahmed Abu Aziz.
Start your day with all you need to know
Morning Report delivers the latest news, videos, photos and more.
Thanks for signing up!
Photographer Hatem Khaled, who was also a Reuters contractor, was wounded in a second strike, the outlet said.
“We are devastated to learn of the death of Reuters contractor Hussam al-Masri and injuries to another of our contractors, Hatem Khaled, in Israeli strikes on the Nasser hospital in Gaza today,” a Reuters spokesperson said.
“We are urgently seeking more information and have asked authorities in Gaza and Israel to help us get urgent medical assistance for Hatem,” the spokesperson added.
