An airstrike that killed 86 folks at a Gaza refugee camp was a “regrettable mistake”, an Israeli authorities spokesperson has admitted.
Eylon Levy informed Sky News the incident on the Maghazi website on Christmas Eve was right down to using an “incorrect munition” and “should not have happened”.
But he refused to apologise for the lack of life, regardless of being pressed a number of instances by presenter Niall Paterson.
“We will not apologise for waging this campaign to bring the Hamas terror regime to justice,” he mentioned.
Israel-Hamas battle – observe newest updates
Mr Levy was confirming Israeli media studies that the Israel Defence Forces had admitted utilizing the incorrect munition, however mentioned he didn’t know what sort was used.
He mentioned “any civilian deaths are regrettable”, however pressured that in battle it’s “inevitable that mistakes will be made”.
Mr Levy reiterated that Israel’s battle in opposition to Hamas would proceed till the regime surrenders and releases the remaining hostages its militants took throughout its assault on 7 October.
Should Hamas give up, the battle may “end tomorrow”.
Read extra:
Inside Hamas’s tunnel community
Israeli troops ’round-up half-naked males’
IDF to ‘be taught classes’ from certainly one of battle’s bloodiest strikes
The strike on the Maghazi camp was one of many bloodiest of the battle to this point.
Footage taken by a Sky News workforce of the aftermath confirmed huge destruction, our bodies dragged from beneath the rubble and the shrapnel-scarred faces of kids in hospital.
Many of the useless included ladies and kids.
The whole variety of folks killed was reported by the UN, which Mr Levy has accused of “funnelling” civilians into “Hamas strongholds” relatively than areas Israel has designated as secure.
Israel has accused Hamas of utilizing faculties and hospitals to cover behind civilians – placing them in hurt’s method.
But the Maghazi strike, which the IDF has pledged to “learn lessons” from, has added to criticism of Israel’s conduct.
The UN and human rights teams have mentioned civilians will not be being adequately protected, with Hamas well being officers claiming greater than 21,100 folks have been killed in Gaza for the reason that battle started.
Even in areas the place Israel has informed Gazans to maneuver to for security, assaults are happening.
Mr Levy insisted the Maghazi strike was an “exception” to the rule Israel does all the pieces potential to guard civilians.
“We want civilians to go to areas where they can be protected, we do not want them inside Hamas strongholds” he added.
Source: information.sky.com”