Gaza-based reporters said the four had worked for various international media outlets. The Israeli military confirmed its forces had struck the hospital area, without saying why.

© Agence France-Presse — Getty Images

This is not the first time the Israeli prime minister has called for one final military drive to dismantle Hamas and end the war.

© Saher Alghorra for The New York Times

The apparent shift in tone comes as cease-fire negotiations have hit a wall and pressure is mounting on Israel over the hunger crisis in Gaza. But Israel and Hamas remain far apart on the terms of any deal.

© Nir Elias/Reuters