The United Nations has condemned Israel’s airstrikes on Gaza’s Nasser Hospital that left at least 20 dead, including five journalists and four health workers. The attack, carried out in two waves on Monday, struck first responders and reporters who had rushed to the scene after the initial blast.
“This is a shock and this is unacceptable,” said UN human rights spokesperson Thameen al-Kheetan on Tuesday. “There needs to be justice. We haven’t seen results or accountability measures yet.” The UN warned that repeated attacks on hospitals and press workers cannot go unanswered and called for an independent investigation.
Israel’s Military Admits “Gaps” in Probe
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said its strike targeted a Hamas surveillance camera near the hospital, claiming it was used to track troop movements. In its preliminary report, the IDF said six of those killed were “terrorists.”
However, the military acknowledged that “gaps” remained in the inquiry—including questions around why a second strike hit the site just ten minutes later, killing journalists and medical staff. The explanation diverged from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s earlier statement, which described the incident as a “tragic mishap.”
Victims Included Journalists and Medics
The second strike killed several people who had rushed to help the wounded after the first blast. Among the dead were journalists from major international outlets such as Reuters, Associated Press, Al Jazeera, and Middle East Eye.
The attack has intensified scrutiny of Israel’s repeated strikes on hospitals in Gaza, despite protections under international law. Israel argues that militant groups like Hamas exploit medical facilities for military purposes.
Protests Shake Israel
Inside Israel, anger is also rising. Tens of thousands of protesters launched nationwide demonstrations, blocking highways with burning tires and rallying in Tel Aviv. Families of hostages demanded that Netanyahu’s government accept a deal to secure their release.
“Israel is standing against Netanyahu and his regime,” said Yehuda Cohen, whose son was kidnapped in the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack. “Another day of protest, another day to pressure Netanyahu and force him to end the war.”
Ceasefire Talks Stalled
Qatar, a key mediator in ceasefire negotiations, said Israel had yet to respond to the latest peace proposal. “The responsibility now lies on the Israeli side,” said Qatari foreign ministry spokesman Majed al-Ansari. “Anything else is political posturing.”
Meanwhile, Israel has unveiled plans for its army to take control of Gaza City, sparking fears of further bloodshed. Defense Minister Yoav Gallant warned Gaza City would be destroyed if Hamas refused to disarm and release hostages.
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Humanitarian Crisis Deepens
According to Gaza’s health ministry, 62,819 people have been killed since Israel’s campaign began in response to the Hamas-led assault of October 7, 2023. More than 90% of Gaza’s homes are damaged or destroyed, and essential services like healthcare, water, and sanitation have collapsed.
A UN-backed report confirmed that famine conditions are unfolding in Gaza, with over half a million people facing starvation. Israel rejected the findings as an “outright lie.”
