Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that an investigation is underway after reports said Israel struck a hospital in the southern Gaza Strip, killing at least 20 people on Monday, according to reports.

Netanyahu said Israel regretted the deadly incident and reiterated that Israel does not intentionally target civilians in its war with Hamas. Reports said among the dead were five journalists who worked for outlets such as Reuters, The Associated Press, and Al Jazeera.

“Israel deeply regrets the tragic mishap that occurred today at the Nasser Hospital in Gaza,” Netanyahu’s office said in a statement. 

“Israel values the work of journalists, medical staff and all civilians. The military authorities are conducting a thorough investigation. Our war is with Hamas terrorists. Our just goals are defeating Hamas and bringing our hostages home.”

The composite image shows structural damage to Nasser Hospital alongside Palestinians carrying the body of a journalist after the strikes; authorities said at least 20 people, including five journalists, were killed. (Reuters/Hatem Khaled)

Defrin said Israel will abide by international obligations and “investigate the deadly incident thoroughly and professionally.”

“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,” he added. 

The other journalists killed were identified as Mariam Abu Dagga, who freelanced for the Associated Press and other outlets; Mohammed Salama, who worked for Al Jazeera; Moaz Abu Taha, a freelancer who contributed to several news organizations, including Reuters; and Ahmed Abu Aziz.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says Israel regrets incident at Nasser Hospital and will investigate the strikes.  (Getty Images/Jim Watson)

Photographer Hatem Khaled, also a Reuters contractor, was wounded.