Controversy Erupts After Deadly Israeli Strikes on Gaza Hospital

Sat Sep 13 2025 06:51:24 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

An attack on Nasser Hospital in Gaza raises questions about the Israeli military's tactics, resulting in international outrage over the loss of civilian lives, including journalists.

Last week, an Israeli attack on Gaza's Nasser Hospital led to the deaths of 22 individuals, including doctors, rescue workers, and journalists. The assault has sparked global outrage and discussions surrounding potential war crimes and the Israeli military's justification for targeting the facility, which they alleged was being used for surveillance by Hamas. Eyewitness accounts and analyses raise serious doubts about the claims, as the hospital has been known to host journalists and civilians seeking refuge.

TEL AVIV, Israel (AP) — Gaza’s Nasser Hospital became a death trap for rescue workers, journalists and others last week when it was targeted by Israeli forces in an attack that has galvanized global anger. The Associated Press has raised serious questions about Israel’s rationale for the strike and the manner in which it was executed.

Israel has pledged to investigate perceived “gaps” in its understanding of the attack that killed 22 people in a sequence of tank strikes, which included the deaths of five journalists, one of whom was Mariam Dagga, who worked for AP and other news outlets.

The AP’s analysis compiled information from current and former Israeli military officials, accounts from nearly 20 individuals who were in or near the hospital at the time of the strikes.

Here are some key takeaways:

The Significance of a Towel

The military struck a hospital well known as a gathering point for journalists. An Israeli military official alleged a video camera positioned there was being used by Hamas for surveillance of Israeli forces, citing a towel draped over the camera as evidence alongside other unspecified intelligence.

However, evidence indicates the camera belonged to a Reuters video journalist who routinely covered his equipment to protect it from the sun. The journalist, Hussam Al-Masri, was killed in the initial strike.

Videos analyzed by AP indicate there were at least four explosions during the dual strikes that targeted the hospital shortly after journalists and emergency personnel arrived to help casualties from the first attack.

Heavy Weaponry Used

The AP discovered that high-explosive tank shells were utilized in the strikes, which an Israeli military representative confirmed. Critics argue that alternative, less deadly options were available for such operations.

Possible Violations and Accountability

Given the number of civilian casualties, the event has prompted discussions about war crimes and the military's practices during operational engagements. Activists demand accountability from Israeli officials.

As the international community closely scrutinizes the incident, the ramifications on Israeli-Palestinian relations could be profound, perpetuating cycles of tension and violence in the region.