The United Nations stated that “justice must be served” following Israel’s double strike on a hospital in Gaza, which killed at least 20 people. An initial Israeli military investigation claimed the target was a “camera installed by Hamas.”
The attack has drawn strong international condemnation, as among the victims were five journalists and four healthcare workers. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer described the event as “completely indefensible.”
Later on Tuesday, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) released a preliminary investigation acknowledging some “shortcomings” that require further review.
Reports indicate that some of the victims were journalists working for international media such as Associated Press, Reuters, Al Jazeera, and Middle East Eye.
“This is shocking and unacceptable,” said Thameen al-Kheetan, spokesperson for the UN Office of Human Rights.
“This raises many, many questions about the targeting of journalists, and all such incidents must be thoroughly investigated and perpetrators held accountable. […] These investigations must yield results. Justice must be served. We have yet to see outcomes or accountability measures,” he added.
Meanwhile, the IDF stated it had identified a camera placed by Hamas near the hospital, “used to observe Israeli troop activity.” The forces said they “acted to neutralize the threat by striking and destroying the camera,” claiming six of the dead were “terrorists.” A later military spokesperson clarified that Reuters and Associated Press journalists were not targeted.
The IDF report marks a shift in tone compared to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s statement on Monday night, which described the incident as a “tragic accident.”
Israel has previously struck hospitals in Gaza during the conflict, despite their protected status under international law, claiming Hamas uses them as military bases.
Meanwhile, within Israel, protesters blocked highways with burning tires and organized demonstrations in Tel Aviv and other cities, demanding the government agree to a ceasefire for the release of hostages still held by Hamas and to end the war.
