Gaza Strip – August 25, 2025 — Israeli Airstrike on gaza Harrowing scenes unfolded at Nasser Hospital in southern Gaza as Israeli airstrikes hit the medical facility twice in quick succession, claiming at least 20 lives, including five journalists, and leaving dozens wounded.
A Deadly Double Strike
At about 10:00 a.m., the hospital’s fourth floor—housing operating rooms and doctors’ quarters—was struck by the first missile. A second strike occurred minutes later, causing mayhem and numerous injuries as rescuers and media gathered in the stairs to provide aid.
Lives Lost: Journalists Among the Victims
Those killed included:
Hussam al-Masri, Reuters cameraman
Mariam Abu Dagga, a freelance photojournalist for the Associated Press
Mohammed Salama, Al Jazeera cameraman
Moaz Abu Taha, Reuters employee and independent photographer
Ahmed Abu Aziz, reporter for Middle East Eye and Quds News NetworkReutersAl Jazeera+1The Washington Post
Al-Masri’s broadcast of a Reuters live feed was abruptly interrupted during the first explosion.
Israeli Response: “Tragic Mishap”
Israel’s prime minister called the incident a “tragic mishap”, asserting operations are not aimed at civilians or journalists. The IDF confirmed the strike, stating it intended to target a Hamas surveillance camera at the hospital. They have launched an investigation to probe apparent gaps in decision-making and strike approval protocols.Reuters+1AP NewsNew York PostThe Times of India+1
International Outcry and Legal Condemnation
The United Nations demanded justice and a thorough investigation into the “double-tap” strike, calling these tactics—hitting medics and journalists responding to an initial attack—prohibited under international humanitarian law. The UN highlighted that 88% of Israel’s internal probes into such incidents have historically yielded no accountability.The Guardian
International media groups, including the Committee to Protect Journalists, condemned the attack, stating it marked one of the deadliest incidents targeting journalists in the Gaza conflict.ReutersFinancial Times
Hamas Denies Israeli Claims
Hamas strongly rejected Israel’s version of events, asserting that none of those killed were fighters. “Israel is lying to cover up a massacre,” said Hamas spokesperson Hazem Qassem. “The victims were civilians, doctors, and journalists. No military activity was conducted from the hospital.”
Several families of victims also disputed Israel’s account, saying their relatives were patients, children, or aid workers.
International Outrage and Condemnation
The strike has sparked global condemnation.
The United Nations called for an independent investigation. UN Secretary-General António Guterres stated: “Hospitals must never be attacked. This incident emphasises how urgently accountability is required.
The European Union demanded restraint, with several diplomats urging Israel to adhere to international humanitarian law.
Human Rights Watch described the strike as “a likely war crime,” citing the principle of distinction that prohibits targeting civilians and medical facilities.
Protests erupted in several European capitals, with demonstrators calling for an immediate ceasefire and accountability for attacks on hospitals and journalists.
Humanitarian Crisis Deepens
The strike coincides with Gaza’s humanitarian crisis getting worse. Hospitals are already stretched beyond capacity, with dwindling supplies of medicine, electricity, and clean water. The destruction of Nasser Hospital—one of the few partially functional medical facilities—has further crippled the territory’s ability to treat the wounded.
Dr. Samir Abu Shammala, head of Nasser Hospital, said: “We are overwhelmed. Every day, more bodies come in. Now our own staff have been killed. We have no words.”
The World Health Organization (WHO) has repeatedly warned that Gaza’s health system is on the verge of collapse, with over 60% of hospitals damaged or destroyed during the conflict.
Key Takeaways
| Element | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Nasser Hospital, Khan Younis |
| Time of first strike: | Approximately 10:00 a.m.; second strike: approximately 10:17 a.m. |
| Casualties | 20 killed (including 5 journalists); multiple medics and rescuers among the dead and injured |
| Israeli Defense Justification | Targeting Hamas surveillance camera; deemed a “tragic mishap” |
| International Reaction | Unified condemnation; calls for accountability and new standards of protection for hospitals and media under international law |
In Conclusion
The double airstrike on Nasser Hospital has reverberated across the global community. As images of scorched stairwells and broken bodies circulated, fears that Gaza’s last functioning hospitals could no longer serve the desperate population intensified.
Journalists, acting in the service of truth, died doing their duty—becoming among the most visible victims of this humanitarian catastrophe. The world watches for whether Israel’s promised investigation will yield meaningful accountability or become another chapter in Gaza’s cycle of violence without consequence.
for more news click here/sbkinews.in