After strikes on hospital, IDF denies targeting civilians, says war zone 'extremely complex'

IDF Spokesman Brig. Gen. Effie Defrin, in an English-language video statement, says the IDF does not “intentionally target civilians” in the Gaza Strip, but troops are fighting in “impossible conditions,” after tank shelling today killed 20 Palestinians, including five journalists, at a hospital in Khan Younis, according to Hamas-controlled health authorities in the Strip.

“Earlier today, IDF troops carried out a strike in the area of Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis. We are aware of reports that harm was caused to civilians, including journalists,” he says. “I would like to be clear from the start: The IDF does not intentionally target civilians. The IDF makes every effort to mitigate harm to civilians, while ensuring the safety of our troops.”

“We are operating in an extremely complex reality. Hamas terrorists deliberately use civilian infrastructure, including hospitals, as shields. They have even operated from the Nasser Hospital itself,” Defrin continues.

“Hamas began this war, created impossible fighting conditions, and is preventing its end by still holding 50 hostages,” he adds.

“Having said that, as a professional military, committed to international law, we are obligated to investigate our operations thoroughly and professionally. The chief of the general staff has instructed that an inquiry be conducted immediately to understand the circumstances of what happened and how it happened,” Defrin says.

Addressing the deaths of several journalists, he notes that “reporting from an active war zone carries immense risk, especially in a war with a terrorist organization such as Hamas, who cynically hides behind the civilian population.”

Defrin says that “as always, we will present our findings as transparently as possible.”

“We regret any harm to uninvolved individuals and are committed to continue fighting Hamas, while taking all the necessary precautions,” he adds.