Global Outcry After Deadly Strikes On Gaza’s Largest Southern Hospital

 

Israel is facing mounting international condemnation after back-to-back strikes on Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis, southern Gaza, killed at least 22 people — including health workers, emergency responders, and five journalists.

The Strikes

The first attack occurred around 10:08 a.m. local time on Monday when a balcony and staircase at the hospital were hit, killing Reuters cameraman Hussam Al-Masri. Minutes later, as first responders and journalists rushed to aid victims, two more strikes landed almost simultaneously, killing and injuring many more. This tactic, often called a “double tap,” has drawn sharp criticism as a potential war crime under international law.

Video evidence and independent analysis suggest the projectiles were consistent with Israeli tank shells, possibly M339 multipurpose rounds. Experts noted that the precision and timing of the attacks indicate careful coordination rather than accidental fire.

Israel’s Response

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called the incident a “tragic mishap,” while the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) later claimed the target was a Hamas-operated surveillance camera. The IDF stated that six “terrorists” were among the dead but acknowledged “gaps” in its understanding of events and promised further review. Critics, however, note the absence of clear evidence distinguishing Hamas equipment from press cameras, which had long been stationed on the same balcony for live reporting.

The Victims

Alongside Al-Masri, journalists Mariam Abu Dagga, Moath Abu Taha, Ahmed Abu Aziz, and Mohammad Salama were killed. Photos and videos confirm the location was a well-known media position used regularly by Reuters, the Associated Press, and other outlets. In addition to journalists, medical staff, patients, and emergency crews were also among the casualties.

International Reaction

The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), Doctors Without Borders (MSF), the UN Secretary-General, and numerous governments — including Canada, the UK, Germany, Switzerland, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Kuwait — condemned the strikes. Many described them as violations of international humanitarian law.

Nasser Hospital, the last major medical center still functioning in southern Gaza, has become critically overburdened as other hospitals have been forced to close. Healthcare workers have described the situation as “unbearable,” pleading for protection under international law.

Ongoing Debate

Rights experts argue that shelling a hospital staircase to destroy a camera cannot meet the proportionality standards required by humanitarian law. Legal scholars stress that intentionally targeting journalists and rescue workers, even indirectly, is a grave breach of wartime rules.

Reuters and the Associated Press have issued formal letters demanding explanations from Israeli officials. Reuters described Al-Masri — a father of four — as a dedicated professional responsible for delivering a live feed from Nasser Hospital to media clients worldwide.

As investigations continue, global calls for accountability and protection of medical staff, journalists, and civilians in Gaza are intensifying.