A day after deadly Israeli strikes on Nasser hospital in Khan Younis – that killed at least 20 people, including five journalists – the Israeli military has released its “initial inquiry” into what happened.

It says it was targeting "a camera that was positioned by Hamas in the area of the Nasser Hospital" that it claims was being used to observe the Israeli military.

The report adds that "several gaps" will need to be examined further - including the type of ammunition used, as well as the authorisation and decision-making process surrounding the strikes.

As our correspondent Emir Nader writes, the report marks a shift in tone from previous comments from Israeli leadership.

Elsewhere, there were protests across Israel, calling for the release of hostages still being held by Hamas in Gaza.

Dubbed the "day of disruption" by the Hostages and Missing Families family forum, the protests called for the war to come to and end so the hostages could be returned.

As this was all going on, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu chaired a meeting of his security cabinet.

That meeting would reportedly see officials approve plans for the next stages of Israel's military operation in Gaza City - but wouldn't include discussions about a ceasefire proposal put forward by regional mediators. We're yet to hear of the meeting's outcome.

We're ending our live coverage now, but you can read more in our news story below:

• UN demands justice over Israeli double strike on Gaza hospital

Image source, Getty Images

Bernd Debusmann Jr
Reporting from the White House

Speaking at the cabinet meeting at the White House, Donald Trump is asked about his recent comments that there would be a "conclusive" end to the war in Gaza within two to three weeks.

In response, Trump says that "there is nothing conclusive" and that the war has been "going on a long time".

"But hopefully we're going to have things solved quickly" in Gaza - along with Ukraine and Russia - he adds.

Emir Nader
Reporting from Jerusalem

Returning now to the Israeli military's initial report into a strike on Nasser hospital that killed at least 20 people yesterday, including five journalists.

This initial investigation by the Israeli military appears to be a shift in tone from Prime Minister Netanyahu’s statement last night.

What was called a "tragic mishap" that killed civilians is now characterised as an intentional attack on Hamas fighters.

The military’s preliminary investigation says "it appears" that its troops "identified a camera that was positioned by Hamas in the area of the Nasser Hospital that was being used to observe the activity of IDF troops" in order to direct attacks against them.

The statement includes pictures of six people who it says were Hamas fighters that were killed. These individuals aren’t the well-known journalists who died.

The military’s report doesn’t present evidence to support its statement. It also doesn’t give an explanation as to why a second strike was fired minutes later, killing multiple journalists and rescue workers who attended the scene of the first strike.

The statement says the military investigation is continuing, including into the authorisation and decision-making process that led to the attack, the ammunition that was used. This seems to be an admission that the attack was not authorised by military leadership.

Israel has repeatedly targeted hospitals in Gaza throughout the war, despite the protections they receive in international law, saying that the medical facilities are being used by Hamas.

The statement doesn't give a timeline for when it will release further details.

Bernd Debusmann Jr
Reporting from the White House

Over in the US, officials have been discussing - among other things - the war in Gaza.

We've just heard from Donald Trump's Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff, during a cabinet meeting at the White House.

In brief remarks, Witkoff claims that Palestinians in Gaza are "applauding" Trump for his efforts - although he provides no evidence or further details.

"I don't think you get the proper credit," he tells Trump.

He adds that meetings will take place on the conflict in Gaza "this week", along with other meetings on Ukraine and Iran.

"We hope to settle them [those conflicts] before the end of this year," Witkoff adds.

Image source, EVN

More now from tonight's protest in Tel Aviv's Hostages Square.

In this footage captured by drone, we can see the extent of the crowds that have gathered.

The rally is the culmination of a "day of disruption'' organised by the families of the hostages still captive in Gaza. It's one of many taking place in Israel today.

If you're watching our live stream, you'll see that crowds of protesters are turning Hostages Square in Tel Aviv into a sea of waving flags, depicting the faces of those still held captive by Hamas.

Some of the placards read End This War and Bring Them All Home Now.

People are marching amid chanting and the banging of drums.

The "day of disruption", as it was billed by the Hostages and Missing Families family forum, has been taking place throughout Israel today.

Ilay David, whose brother Evyatar is being held hostage in Gaza, says he's "moved" to see Israelis taking to the streets today, as they call for a hostage release deal.

Evyatar has been in captivity since his seizure by Hamas at a music festival during the 7 October attacks. He was seen in a video released by Hamas earlier this month.

Ilay believes that his brother "was starved intentionally by his captors to use him as part of the propaganda".

Unlike some hostage relatives the BBC has spoken to, Ilay says he doesn't know if Netanyahu should accept the deal on the table right now.

"I don't have the full picture, we should be modest when we try to analyse the situation", he says.

"I am trying to be my brother's voice right now. He is screaming from the darkest place on earth, underground: 'Feed me.'"

Protests are continuing in Israel, and we’re seeing these pictures coming in from a demonstration outside Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office.

The demonstrations have been organised by the Hostages and Missing Families Forum, which is demanding the government secure a hostage release deal for those still being held in Gaza.

Image source, Reuters

Image source, AFP via Getty Images

Image source, AFP via Getty Images

Image source, AFP via Getty Images

Meanwhile Israeli media reports that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's security cabinet meeting has now concluded.

As we reported earlier, officials would reportedly discuss the next stage of the Israeli military operation in Gaza City - but not the latest ceasefire proposal put forward by regional mediators.

We haven't yet heard anything come out of that meeting, but will update you as we get it.

While we've been looking at the Israeli military's report into yesterday's strike on Nasser hospital, protesters have been gathering in Hostages Square, Tel Aviv, demanding the return of hostages being held by Hamas in Gaza.

People can seen walking in a long line, carrying placards with the faces of hostages on them.

We're now able to bring you live pictures from the culmination of a day of demonstrations. You can watch live at the top of the page.

Image source, EPA

The German chancellor says he does not believe that the Israeli strike at Nasser hospital in Gaza yesterday intended to attack journalists.

Five journalists were among at least 20 people killed in that attack.

Speaking at a press conference in Berlin, Friedrich Merz says: "I do not believe at this moment that this was a targeted attack against journalists."

In comments made before the Israel Defense Forces published a report on its initial inquiry into Monday's strikes, Merz adds that "the Israeli army and the Israeli government have both promised to launch a comprehensive investigation into this incident. I would like to wait for the results of this investigation before making a final judgment".

"We are all devastated" says a former colleague of Mariam Dagga, one of the journalists killed in the two strikes on Nasser Hospital in Gaza yesterday.

"She was a very kind and lovely person", says Amande Bazerolle, who is the head of emergency response in Gaza for Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF).

"We were working frequently with her", Bazerolle says, adding that Dagga had "a brilliant touch" for photography and a gift for capturing people "with a very kind side".

According to Bazerolle, healthcare workers in Gaza have already gone back to work at Nasser Hospital: "They didn't think twice."

"It's a risk that international organisations are ready to take today, because there is no safe space in Gaza - not even a hospital."

Some more now from the IDF's statement about yesterday's strikes.

It adds that the chief of the general staff alleges six of those killed "were terrorists, one of whom took part in the infiltration into Israeli territory on October 7th".

The statement adds that "the Chief of the General Staff regrets any harm caused to civilians".

Further inquiries will now take place to "examine several gaps", it continues, including into the authorisation process prior to the strike, as well as the "ammunition approved for the strike" and the decision-making process in the field.

As a reminder, at least twenty people were killed, including five journalists, when two Israeli strikes hit Nasser hospital yesterday. Here's a recap of what happened.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) says in its initial inquiry into yesterday's strikes that troops had "identified a camera that was positioned by Hamas in the area of the Nasser Hospital".

The camera, it says, was "being used to observe the activity of IDF troops".

"In light of this, the troops operated to remove the threat by striking and dismantling the camera and the inquiry showed that the troops operated to remove the threat," the statement continues.

The Israeli military has just published its conclusions following an "initial inquiry" into yesterday's strike on Nasser hospital in Khan Younis.

That strike killed at least 20 people, including five journalists.

We're just reading through the short report now, and will bring you the details shortly.

Image source, Reuters

The Israeli government is facing pressure as its security cabinet meets this afternoon. If you're just joining us, here's the latest:

Israeli security cabinet meeting under way - reports

Benjamin Netanyahu's security cabinet has been meeting this afternoon, according to Israeli media reports.

The Times of Israel reports that officials will approve plans for the next phase of the Israeli military's operation in Gaza City. The cabinet recently approved a plan to take control of the city - it was a move that sparked much international criticism.

The cabinet reportedly won't discuss the latest ceasefire proposal put forward by regional mediators.

Hostage protests take place across Israel

Israelis have taken to the streets for demonstrations demanding the return of hostages being held by Hamas in Gaza. Earlier, some protesters burned tyres and blocked traffic while waving banners and yellow flags.

"Today is a day of resistance," one protester said, while another told the BBC of feelings of rage, frustration and loss as she backs calls for a ceasefire.

Condemnation continues after Gaza hospital strike

Meanwhile, yesterday's strikes on the Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis - which killed at least 20 people, including five journalists - have continued to prompt widespread criticism.

Earlier today, the UK government called the strikes "indefensible", while the European Commission said it was "completely unacceptable".

Warning: This post contains distressing details.

Returning now to yesterday's Israeli strikes on Nasser hospital in Khan Younis, which killed at least 20 people, including five journalists.

"Witnessing the scene, we were overwhelmed with panic, confusion, and fear," a journalist who was there tells the BBC's ME Lifeline.

The journalist, who does not want to be identified over security concerns, says colleagues tried to help those who had been hurt, but "some had been torn to pieces, while others lay bleeding heavily from their wounds".

Another journalist, who also does not want to be named, says "after the first strike, civil defence crews rushed to the scene. But suddenly, while we were still live on air, a second missile struck".

He says he believes journalists in Gaza are being targeted, and says this is because they are reporting on the "unfolding events and crimes in Gaza amidst the suffering of our people".

"We all wear vests clearly marked with the word 'press'," he says.

Nearly 200 journalists have been killed in Gaza since the start of the war.

The Israel Defense Forces said it "regrets any harm to uninvolved individuals and does not target journalists as such". Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said Israel "values the work of journalists, medical staff, and all civilians" and that the military is conducting a "thorough investigation".

Image source, APTN

We've just been hearing from an Israeli government spokesman, who has been giving a briefing on the war in Gaza.

David Mencer is asked about comments from Donald Trump yesterday, when the US president said he thinks a "conclusive ending" to the war is imminent, and that he'd told Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu "you better get it settled soon".

Speaking during a press briefing, Mencer praises the relationship Netanyahu and Trump share, saying they are in "extremely close contact".

He adds that there have been many "achievements" during the war that have been managed through working together with the US - citing a deal agreed to get a number of hostages released.

The spokesman says Trump wants the war to end as quickly as possible - which he says is also Israel's objective.

Image source, EPA

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's security cabinet meeting has begun, according to local media reports.

The Times of Israel reports that officials will approve plans for the next stages of the military's operation in Gaza City.

Reports say that Netanyahu will not bring up the latest proposal for a 60-day truce to the war in Gaza, that would also see the return of about half the hostages being held by Hamas.

Israel hasn’t accepted the latest proposal from regional mediators – saying it will now only agree to a comprehensive deal to bring back all the hostages and end the war on its terms.

The European Commission says Israel's attack on Nasser hospital yesterday, which killed at least 20 people, is "completely unacceptable".

Spokesman Anouar El Anouni says civilians and journalists "must be protected under international law".

"Civilians in Gaza have been suffering for far too long and far too much, and it is time to break the cycle of violence," he adds.