Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed regret over his military’s strike on Gaza’s Nasser Hospital on Monday, calling it a “tragic mishap” as international criticism grew. Netanyahu pledged a full inquiry, and Israeli authorities confirmed the military is investigating.
What happened at Nasser Hospital?
Palestinian health officials said Israeli strikes on the hospital in Khan Younis killed at least 20 people, including five journalists.
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At least 197 journalists and other media workers have died during the war in Gaza, according to the Committee to Protect Journalists.
Reuters confirmed its cameraman Hussam al-Masri was among the dead. Freelancer journalists Mariam Abu Dagga, Mohammed Salama, Moaz Abu Taha and Ahmed Abu Aziz also died, while Reuters photographer Hatem Khaled was injured.
Witnesses said two missiles struck Nasser Hospital, the second hitting minutes after the first as journalists and rescuers climbed an exterior staircase. Israel’s military said its preliminary inquiry found the attack had aimed at a camera it alleged Hamas used for surveillance, though no evidence was released.
The IDF said six of those killed were militants, while acknowledging civilian deaths and promising further review of how the strike was authorized.
How has Israel responded?
Netanyahu’s office said Israel respects the role of journalists and medical workers but maintained the fight is against Hamas. Government spokesman David Mencer told reporters that Israel would not accept a partial ceasefire deal, insisting all hostages must be freed and Hamas must disarm.
“Our objective is all of the hostages, a full deal,” Mencer said.
International law prohibits strikes on hospitals. Israel has accused Hamas of using civilian sites for cover, an allegation Hamas denies.
“We cannot say it loudly enough: STOP attacks on health care. Ceasefire now!” World Health Organization Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus wrote on social media.
What are protesters and mediators demanding?
The incident occurred as Israel’s security cabinet prepared to meet for the first time since Hamas accepted a Qatari- and Egyptian-mediated cease-fire proposal. The deal would release some hostages, expand humanitarian aid and open talks for a wider truce.
Protests erupted across Israel on Tuesday, urging Netanyahu to approve the agreement. Relatives said pressing the offensive with a deal on the table was “a stab in the heart” of families. Qatari Foreign Ministry spokesman Majed al-Ansari said mediators are still awaiting an official Israeli reply.
What is the broader impact?
The Gaza war, now approaching its second anniversary, has killed more than 60,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza’s health ministry. About 1,200 Israelis died and around 250 were kidnapped in the Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas-led assault.
President Donald Trump said he believed fewer than 20 hostages remain alive. Israeli authorities say the bodies of 30 others are held in Gaza.
In Egypt, the army has reinforced its eastern border amid fears that Israel’s push into Gaza City could drive hundreds of thousands of Palestinians toward Rafah. Cairo has warned it will not accept displaced people crossing into Sinai as a solution to the crisis.
