Two journalists wounded in Israeli strike
The vehicle was clearly identified as belonging to a media organisation
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Sunday, 27, Aug 2006 08:09
Two journalists have been wounded in the Gaza Strip after a Reuters news agency vehicle was hit by an Israeli air strike, with two bystanders also injured as a result.
Sabbah Hmaida, a local journalist, has sustained serious leg injuries, while Reuters cameraman Fadel Shana is also receiving treatment in hospital, although neither men's injuries are thought to be life threatening.
Both were covering the Israeli army's continuing incursions into Gaza City when the news agency's vehicle, which was clearly marked as belonging to a media organisation, was hit yesterday.
But an army spokesperson said the strike was intentional, as the vehicle had aroused suspicion and was not identified as a media car.
"During the operation, there was an aerial attack on a suspicious vehicle that drove in a suspicious manner right by the forces," the representative said.
"This car was not identified by the army as a press vehicle. If journalists were hurt, we regret it."
Michael Lawrence, managing director of Reuters Europe, Middle East and Africa, told the news agency's website that he was "deeply concerned" at the attack.
"We understand that the army says it had no intention of targeting the media, but this incident is totally unacceptable and we urge a careful examination of how this happened to ensure there is no repeat," he said.
The Israeli army is continuing operations in Gaza to secure the release of captured soldier Corporal Gilad Shalit.