A hospital in Gaza that was hit in an Israeli strike, killing 20 folks together with 5 journalists, has rejected the Israeli army’s declare it struck the ability as a result of it was focusing on what it believed was a Hamas surveillance digicam in addition to folks recognized as militants.
The assertion was a part of the army’s preliminary inquiry into the assault on Nasser hospital in Khan Younis, which Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has known as a “tragic mishap”.
The Israel Protection Forces (IDF) stated the back-to-back strikes on the biggest hospital in southern Gaza have been ordered as a result of troopers believed militants have been utilizing the digicam to look at Israeli forces.
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Who have been the journalists killed by Israel?
It additionally stated it was as a result of Israel has lengthy believed Hamas and different militant teams are current at hospitals – although Israeli officers have hardly ever offered proof to help such claims.
“This conclusion was further supported, among other reasons, by the documented military use of hospitals by the terrorist organisations throughout the war,” the IDF claimed.
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Nasser hospital in Gaza after it was broken by an Israeli strike. Pic: AP
It stated six of these killed within the strike have been “terrorists”.
The army chief of basic employees acknowledged a number of “gaps” within the investigation to date, together with the type of ammunition used to take out the digicam.
The army additionally stated there may be an ongoing investigation into the chain of command that accepted the strike.
Nevertheless, the military added: “The chief of the general staff emphasised that the IDF directs its activities solely toward military targets.”
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Pics: Reuters
In a press release, the hospital stated: “Nasser hospital categorically reject these claims and any claims made by Israeli authorities to justify attacks on hospital premises.”
Amongst these killed was 33-year-old Mariam Dagga, a journalist who labored for the Related Press, Al Jazeera cameraman Mohammed Salama, Reuters contractor Hussam al Masri, Reuters photographer Moaz Abu Taha and Center East Eye freelancer Ahmed Abu Aziz.
The IDF stated journalists working for Reuters and the Related Press “were not a target of the strike”.
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Pic: Reuters
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Family and associates pray over the physique of journalist Mariam Dagga. Pic: AP
The strikes have been condemned by worldwide leaders and human rights teams.
“The killing of journalists in Gaza should shock the world,” stated United Nations Human Rights Workplace spokesperson Thameen Al-Kheetan.
“Not into stunned silence but into action, demanding accountability and justice.”
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The assault was described as a “double-tap” assault, which sees civilians or medical employees dashing to assist these injured hit in a second strike. They’ve beforehand been seen within the wars in Ukraine and Syria.
Hospitals have been repeatedly attacked by Israeli forces all through the 22-month battle in Gaza.
The battle started on 7 October 2023 when Hamas-led militants stormed into southern Israel, killing some 1,200 folks and taking 251 hostage.
Israel’s army offensive in opposition to Hamas has killed no less than 62,000 Palestinians, largely civilians, in keeping with the Hamas-run well being ministry, which doesn’t differentiate between civilians and militants in its rely however says the bulk are ladies and youngsters.
