Israel struck Nasser Hospital at least four times during its deadly attack in southern Gaza on Monday, an analysis of new video footage by BBC Verify has found.
The attack, which has attracted international condemnation and widespread anger, reportedly killed at least 20 people, including five journalists.
Initial reports from Gaza indicated that Israel had hit the hospital twice, with a subsequent strike targeting first responders and journalists arriving at the scene nine minutes after the first blast.
However, new evidence suggests that the hospital was actually struck four times. Analysis showed that two staircases were targeted almost simultaneously during the initial wave of attacks, while what was thought to be a single subsequent strike was actually two separate hits occurring in rapid succession.
As international journalists are barred from independently entering Gaza, BBC Verify identified the extra strikes through dozens of videos shared by local freelancers and eyewitnesses online.
The first strike hit the exterior staircase on the eastern side of the hospital at 10:08 AM local time, resulting in the death of journalist Hussam Al-Masri, who was broadcasting live for Reuters.
Another blast was identified at a northern wing staircase at the same time, which was overshadowed during the initial reports.
Further footage showed visible smoke and damage at both strike sites, with emergency personnel claiming the hospital’s operating department was also hit.
N R Jenzen-Jones, a director at Armament Research Services, noted that the evidence indicated damage consistent with a small munition, hinting at a flat trajectory of the projectiles.
The sequence of attacks included a second wave that hit while first responders and journalists were present, captured in newly analyzed footage showing that two separate projectiles struck the hospital mere milliseconds apart.
Experts debated the type of munitions used, with some suggesting they were Lahat missiles, while others indicated the munitions might have been standard tank projectiles given the rapid succession of impacts.
While the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) acknowledged conducting strikes in the area, they have not confirmed multiple hits on the hospital. Israel's response has included expressions of regret but has yet to provide a clear justification for the series of strikes.
Concerns have been raised by international legal experts regarding potential violations of the Fourth Geneva Convention, which forbids attacks on civilians that are seen as excessive in relation to any military advantage expected.
With over 62,900 people reported killed in Gaza since the conflict escalated, along with at least 247 journalists, ongoing violence continues to spark international scrutiny and debate.
