IDF Defends Gaza Hospital Strike, Netanyahu Expresses Regret
- Posted on August 26, 2025
- International Conflict and Politics
- By Arijit Dutta
- 104 Views
Israeli strikes on Gaza’s Nasser Hospital killed 20, including five journalists, sparking global outrage. The IDF denied intentionally targeting civilians, blaming Hamas for using hospitals as shields. Prime Minister Netanyahu called it a “tragic mishap” and promised an investigation, while casualties reportedly rose after a second strike hit rescuers and reporters.
At least 20 people, including five journalists, were killed after Israeli strikes hit Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis, Gaza, in one of the deadliest incidents since the conflict began in October 2023. The attack has drawn international outrage, with Israel defending its actions while acknowledging civilian casualties.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) stated it does not “intentionally” target civilians and accused Hamas of using hospitals and other infrastructure as shields. IDF spokesperson BG Effie Defrin said efforts were made to minimize harm but claimed Hamas had previously operated from Nasser Hospital. A probe into the strikes has been launched.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called the incident a “tragic mishap” and expressed “deep regret” over the deaths of medical staff, journalists, and civilians. He assured that Israel values the work of reporters and humanitarian workers.
According to reports, many victims were killed in a second strike at the hospital that hit journalists and rescue workers assisting the wounded. Among the five journalists killed were Reuters photojournalist Hossam Al-Masri, Al Jazeera’s Mohammed Salama, freelance reporters Mariam Abu Daqqa and Moaz Abu Taha, and Ahmad Abu Aziz of Quds Feed Network.
Also Read: US uses tariffs on India to push Moscow amid Ukraine war
The IDF maintained that the war was initiated by Hamas, which it said still holds 50 Israeli hostages, complicating efforts to end the conflict. Meanwhile, the deaths of journalists and civilians have intensified global concerns over press safety and the humanitarian toll of the ongoing war in Gaza.
