Israel struck Nasser Hospital at least four times during its deadly attack in southern Gaza, according to a recent analysis by BBC Verify, escalating concerns over civilian safety amidst ongoing conflict.
This attack, which reportedly resulted in at least 20 fatalities—including five journalists—has drawn widespread international condemnation. Initial reports indicated that Israel had targeted the hospital twice, with a subsequent blast killing first responders and journalists who arrived to aid the victims.
Further analysis of the footage revealed that the facility experienced at least four separate strikes. The first two strikes targeted stairwells almost simultaneously, while additional blasts followed closely thereafter, contradicting previous accounts of the assault.
Without the approval of international journalists to independently assess the situation, BBC Verify relied on multiple video sources, including eyewitness reports, to establish the full extent of the attack. The investigation uncovered previously unreported blasts that inflicted damage on the hospital's operating departments.
In one of the initial strikes at 10:08 AM local time, an attack on the eastern side resulted in the death of journalist Hussam Al-Masri, who was broadcasting live for Reuters at the time.
Eyewitness accounts and new footage demonstrate the considerable damage sustained and support claims of secondary strikes where many casualties occurred.
Experts evaluating the strikes have varied opinions regarding the types of munitions used. Initial assessments indicated that guided missiles might have been employed. The involvement of multiple tanks was likely needed due to the rapid succession of strikes observed.
Despite calls for transparency, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have not commented on the newly identified strikes, nor have they acknowledged the severity of employing multiple attacks on a healthcare facility, raising allegations of potential violations of international law.
Observers and humanitarian law experts stress that assaults on civilian structures, especially medical facilities, must be scrutinized carefully under the Fourth Geneva Convention, which prohibits attacks that may result in excessive civilian harm relative to military advantage.
This incident occurs in the wake of a broader military campaign by Israel following a Hamas-led assault that resulted in significant casualties, highlighting the ongoing and severe humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
