Gaza Hospital Strike: Israel Says It Was Targetting Hamas Surveillance Camera

A day after a Gaza hospital strike killed 20 people, including five journalists, Israel‘s military on Tuesday confirmed that the intended target was a Hamas surveillance camera and militants believed to be operating within the facility, according to a report published by The Associated Press. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called the incident a “tragic mishap,“ as tension mounts over civilian casualties.

Military Investigation Troubled by Gaps

According to the report, the Israeli military‘s initial inquiry revealed that soldiers targetted back-to-back strikes based on their belief that militants used the camera to monitor Israeli forces and in line with long-held assumptions that militant groups operate inside hospitals. However, the military‘s chief of general staff conceded that there were numerous “gaps“ in the investigation, including uncertainties over the type of ammunition used to take out the camera.

“From an initial inquiry, it appears that Golani Brigade troops, operating in the area of Khan Yunis to dismantle terrorist infrastructure, identified a camera that was positioned by Hamas in the area of the Nasser Hospital that was being used to observe the activity of IDF troops, in order to direct terrorist activities against them,” a post by the Israel Defense Forces on X read.

“….the troops operated to remove the threat by striking and dismantling the camera and the inquiry showed that the troops operated to remove the threat,” it further read.

The Chief of the General Staff received the initial conclusions that were presented and instructed that the inquiry be completed.

Outrage Spreads and Protests Erupt

Shock and outrage followed the Israeli strike globally. Protests erupted in Israel, where demonstrators torched tires and blocked highways demanding a ceasefire that would secure the release of hostages still held in Gaza, according to the Associated Press. Meanwhile, Gazans grieved their loved ones killed amid expanding Israeli operations, displacement and food insecurity.

No Ceasefire Discussion Despite Egyptian Mediation

Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu convened a security cabinet meeting on Tuesday, though an anonymous official told the news agency that ceasefire talks were not part of the agenda. Meanwhile, an Egyptian delegation had met with Israeli officials on Monday to discuss possible negotiations.

Netanyahu has said that Israel is planning a major offensive in Gaza City while simultaneously pursuing ceasefire efforts.

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