“Israel deeply regrets the tragic mishap” — Netanyahu on Gaza hospital strikes

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Monday that Israel “deeply regrets” the airstrikes that hit Gaza’s Nasser Hospital and killed at least 20 people, including six journalists.

The attack began when a strike hit the upper floors of the hospital, where Hussam al-Masri, a Reuters cameraman, was operating a live broadcast feed. The video abruptly cut out as the strike landed. As medics, rescue workers, and fellow reporters rushed to the scene, a second strike followed.

Among the journalists killed were Mohammad Salama of Al Jazeera, Mariam Abu Dagga, who had worked with the Associated Press and other outlets, freelance journalist Moath Abu Taha, and Ahmed Abu Aziz of Quds Feed Network and Middle East Eye. Gaza’s civil defence organisation confirmed that one of its crew members also died.

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

Netanyahu described the strikes as a “tragic mishap” and said a “thorough investigation” is underway. He added that Israel values the work of journalists, medical staff, and all civilians.