Reporting calls into question why, how Israel attacked a Gaza hospital
New Details Emerge in Israeli Attack on Gaza Strip Hospital
By SAM MEDNICK and SAMY MAGDY, Associated Press
TEL AVIV, Israel (AP) — The recent Associated Press investigation into an Israeli attack on a Gaza Strip hospital has uncovered troubling details that raise serious questions about Israel’s actions and decision-making process during the strikes.
The attack, which resulted in the deaths of 22 people, including five journalists, has come under scrutiny following new evidence that challenges Israel’s rationale for the strikes. Among those killed was Mariam Dagga, a journalist who worked for AP and other news organizations.
Israeli forces targeted a position known as a journalists’ gathering point, claiming they believed a camera on the roof was being used by Hamas to observe troops. However, AP’s findings indicate that the camera actually belonged to a Reuters video journalist who routinely covered his equipment with a white cloth to protect it from the sun and dust. The journalist, Hussam al-Masri, was killed in the initial strike.
Witnesses reported that Israel had been monitoring the position by drone, including just 40 minutes before the attack, providing an opportunity to correctly identify al-Masri. However, the strike proceeded without warning, raising questions about the decision-making process.
Further analysis of the attack revealed additional troubling details:
— Israeli forces conducted multiple strikes on the hospital, including a second round of attacks after medical and emergency workers had arrived on the scene, and journalists had rushed to cover the news. This tactic, known as a “double tap,” has been criticized as a possible war crime.
— High-explosive tank shells were used in the strikes, despite the availability of more precise guided weapons that could have resulted in fewer casualties.
— The Israeli military has yet to provide evidence to support its claims and has acknowledged “gaps” in how the attack was carried out. It maintains that the journalists killed were not intended targets and were not affiliated with Hamas.
The attack has sparked global outrage as Israel continues its offensive in Gaza City, exposing the population to even greater danger from Israeli bombardment and military operations. While Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described the incident as a “tragic mishap,” questions remain about the decision-making process and the circumstances surrounding the attack.
Key Findings and Analysis
The investigation revealed that the Reuters journalist, al-Masri, commonly used a white cloth to protect his camera from the elements. The hospital served as a critical location for Palestinian reporters, providing a vantage point for covering the conflict in Gaza.
Israel’s use of a double-tap strategy, targeting individuals responding to the initial strikes, has raised concerns about potential war crimes. Experts in international law have highlighted the dangers posed by such tactics and the need for accountability.
The decision to use tank shells in the attack, rather than more precise weapons, has been questioned by military experts, who argue that alternative options were available.
Discrepancies in Israel’s claims about the identities of those killed in the attack have also raised doubts about the accuracy of the information provided. The lack of transparency and evidence has fueled skepticism about the Israeli military’s actions.
The AP’s investigation, based on eyewitness accounts and analysis of video footage, has shed light on the complexities of the attack and the challenges of reporting in conflict zones.
International Response and Calls for Accountability
The attack on the Gaza Strip hospital has drawn condemnation from media organizations and human rights groups, who have called for a thorough investigation and accountability for those responsible.
The targeting of journalists and medical facilities during conflicts is a violation of international law and must be addressed to prevent further harm to civilians and media personnel.
As the investigation continues, the international community will be closely monitoring developments and holding all parties accountable for their actions.
Magdy reported from Cairo. Associated Press reporters Melanie Lidman and Angela Charlton in Jerusalem, and Jon Gambrell in Dubai, contributed to this report.
Originally Published:
