'IDF does not intentionally target civilians': Israel on Gaza hospital strike that killed journalists; probe ordered

Israel has pledged a full investigation after a deadly strike on Gaza’s Nasser Hospital killed at least 20 people, including five journalists. Brig. Gen. Effie Defrin, spokesperson for the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), said the army “does not intentionally target civilians” and insisted that every effort is made “to mitigate harm to civilians while ensuring the safety of our troops.

”“We are aware of reports that harm was caused to civilians, including journalists,” Defrin said. “Reporting from an active war zone carries immense risk, especially in a war with a terrorist organisation such as Hamas, who cynically hides behind the civilian population. As always, we will present our findings as transparently as possible. We regret any harm to uninvolved individuals and are committed to continue fighting Hamas while taking all the necessary precautions.

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The hospital strike was one of the deadliest to hit Gaza in recent months. Witnesses and health officials said the first missile struck an upper floor, killing at least two people, followed by a second hit on a stairwell as journalists and rescuers tried to reach the site. Among those killed was Associated Press visual journalist Mariam Dagga, aged 33, and a Reuters cameraman who had been operating a live broadcast at the time.

Video filmed by pan-Arab channel Al Ghad captured their final moments as they rushed up the stairwell before the blast.Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office described the incident as a “tragic mishap” and confirmed that an inquiry was underway. Israeli media reported that troops had fired at what they believed to be a Hamas surveillance camera on the hospital roof, a location often used by international reporters for live coverage.The Associated Press and Reuters issued a joint letter demanding an explanation, writing: “We are outraged that independent journalists were among the victims of this strike on the hospital, a location that is protected under international law. These journalists were present in their professional capacity, doing critical work bearing witness.”International reaction has been swift. The United Nations, Britain, France and others condemned the attack, while U.S.

President Donald Trump said he was “not happy about it” and added he hoped for a “conclusive ending” to the conflict soon.The Committee to Protect Journalists said 189 Palestinian journalists have been killed since the war began, accusing Israel of “the most horrific attacks the press has ever faced in recent history.” The Foreign Press Association also called on Israel “to halt its abhorrent practice of targeting journalists.”The war, now in its 22nd month, began after Hamas’s 7 October 2023 attack that killed around 1,200 people in Israel and led to the abduction of 251 hostages. Israel says Hamas still holds 50 captives and accuses the group of using civilian infrastructure, including hospitals, to shield its fighters.