As a result of strikes carried out by the military on the Nasser hospital in the Khan Yunis area in the southern Gaza Strip on Monday morning, at least 20 people were killed, including five journalists, media reported. Among the killed were journalists collaborating with Reuters, AP, and Al Jazeera.
As reported by The Times of Israel, the Israel Defense Forces confirmed about three hours after reports of the attack that troops had struck the area. A military official told the publication that the attack was not carried out by Israeli Air Force, but most likely by ground forces.
A live video broadcast by Reuters from the hospital, conducted by one of the killed journalists, was suddenly interrupted at the moment of the initial strike.
According to the Foreign Press Association, the strikes were carried out without warning and "hit the external staircase of the hospital, where journalists often stood with their cameras."
"We demand immediate explanations from the Israel Defense Forces and the office of the Prime Minister of Israel. We urge Israel to once and for all stop its heinous practice of attacking journalists," the group stated, although Israel strongly denies violence against journalists.
IDF Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir ordered an immediate investigation into this strike, the military stated. "The IDF regrets causing harm to uninvolved [civilians] and in no way targets journalists," the IDF stated, adding that they strive to "minimize harm to them while ensuring the safety of our forces."