The United States on Tuesday declined to criticise Israel over the killing of five Al Jazeera journalists in the Gaza Strip, referring questions to its ally.
The Israeli military killed prominent Al-Jazeera reporter Anas al-Sharif and his colleagues on Monday near Gaza's Al-Shifa Hospital.
"What I will tell you is that we refer you to Israel for information regarding al-Sharif," State Department spokeswoman Tammy Bruce told reporters.
She voiced respect for journalists who cover war zones but said that Hamas members have been "embedded in society, including posing as journalists", referring to Israel's allegations that the slain reporters were members of the group -- claims it has made without providing evidence.
"It is a horrible thing to do for those of you who are committed to finding information for people to be in that situation," she said.
European and Arab governments, the United Nations and media rights groups all voiced outrage over the killing.
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said that there needed to be "clear evidence" for Israel's allegations and respect for rules of war against targeting journalists.
Al Jazeera said four other employees -- correspondent Mohammed Qreiqeh and cameramen Ibrahim Zaher, Mohammed Noufal and Moamen Aliwa -- were also killed when the strike hit a tent set up for journalists outside the main gate of Al-Shifa Hospital.
Israel has killed scores of Palestinian journalists and media workers in Gaza since October 2023.