UPDATE: Israel’s United Nations ambassador, Danny Danon, has confirmed that more details will emerge within the next few days regarding the deadly strike on Nasser Hospital in the Gaza Strip that resulted in at least 20 fatalities, including five journalists. This urgent announcement follows Monday’s incident that has drawn international attention and condemnation.
During a press briefing, Danon stated, “We’re still looking into the details of that incident and so that in the next few days we will have more information about that.” He emphasized, “Our goal is to fight terrorists, not journalists, not anyone who is not involved in terrorism.” Among those killed were journalists from prominent outlets such as Reuters, Associated Press, and al-Jazeera.
According to the acting US ambassador to the UN, Dorothy Shea, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) targeted Hamas members using the Nasser Hospital premises for military operations. Shea reported to the UN Security Council that the military’s investigation concluded that six Hamas operatives were killed in the strike. The IDF’s statement included photos of the deceased militants, but none of the slain journalists were identified as targets.
The international response has been swift. On Wednesday, the UN Security Council, with the exception of the United States, characterized the ongoing famine in the Gaza Strip as a “manmade crisis”. The 14 council members condemned the tactic of starvation as a weapon of war, urging for an immediate, unconditional, and permanent ceasefire. They also called for the release of all hostages held by Hamas and other factions, alongside an urgent increase in humanitarian aid to the Gaza region.
This tragic event highlights the severe toll the conflict is taking on civilians and the press in the region. As the situation continues to develop, the eyes of the world remain on Israel and its military operations in Gaza.
As residents of Khan Younis grapple with the aftermath of this strike, the urgency for humanitarian aid becomes increasingly critical. The international community is calling for Israel to lift all restrictions on aid delivery, as the humanitarian crisis escalates.
Stay tuned for further updates as more information about the investigation into the Nasser Hospital strike becomes available.
