When the initial Israeli strike occurred, it abruptly interrupted the Reuters live video feed being operated by cameraman Hussam al-Masri, who was fatally struck in the attack.

Freelance journalist Mariam Dagga had been working with the Associated Press and other outlets during the war in Gaza. Source: AP / Jehad Alshrafi

None of the five journalists was among the six alleged Palestinian militant targets that the Israeli military named in a written statement, released on Tuesday. The statement included photos of six persons who were killed, including alleged members of Hamas and Islamic Jihad.

“The Chief of the General Staff expresses regret for any harm to civilians,” the statement declared, emphasizing the Israeli military’s focus on military targets exclusively.

‘Several gaps’ cited by Israeli military

“Secondly, an examination of the decision-making process in the field.”

The Hamas statement did not clarify whether the two men were civilians or fighters.

Moaz abu Taha, a Gaza correspondent with NBC News, was among the casualties. Source: EPA / Handout

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office said Israel deeply regretted what he called a “tragic mishap”.

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

Reuters’ contractor and cameraperson Hussam al-Masri was filming the live video when he was killed in the first strike, as reported by the news agency. Source: EPA / Handout

The written military statement said troops had identified a camera “positioned by Hamas” in the area of the hospital to observe the activity of Israeli troops in order to direct terrorist activities against them.