At the moment of the initial Israeli strike, the Reuters live video feed, which cameraman Hussam al-Masri had been operating, suddenly shut down. Masri was killed 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.

“At the same time, the Chief of the General Staff regrets any harm caused to civilians,” the statement said, adding the Israeli military directs its activities solely toward military targets.

‘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 cameraperson Hussam al-Masri was filming the live video and was killed in the first strike, the news agency said. 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.