‘Tragic mishap’ — Netanyahu says Israel regrets Gaza hospital strikes

Benjamin Netanyahu, prime minister of Israel, says the country regrets the deadly strikes that killed at least 20 people, including five journalists at the Nasser Hospital in Gaza early Monday morning.

Four journalists were believed to be dead but that figure later rose to six.

Palestinian health officials said Hussam al-Masri, a cameraman who was a Reuters contractor, was killed near a live broadcasting position operated by the outlet on an upper floor just below the roof of the hospital in an initial strike.

A live video feed from the hospital, operated by Masri, suddenly shut down during the initial strike.

As journalists, rescue workers, and medics rushed to the scene to help, Israel struck a second time.

The other journalists killed were Mohammad Salama, a cameraman from Al Jazeera; Mariam Abu Dagga, who has worked with the Associated Press (AP) and other outlets throughout the war; Moath Abu Taha, a freelance journalist; and Ahmed Abu Aziz, who worked for the Quds Feed Network and other media outlets, including Middle East Eye.

Gaza’s civil defence organisation said one of its crew members also died in the attack.

In a separate incident on the same day, Hassan Douhan, a Palestinian journalist and academic who worked as a correspondent for Al-Hayat al-Jadida publication, was killed by Israeli forces.

Netanyahu said “Israel deeply regrets the tragic mishap” that occurred at the hospital, noting that a “thorough investigation” is underway.

“Israel values the work of journalists, medical staff, and all civilians,” the prime minister said.