In brief
An investigation by BBC Verify has uncovered that the Israeli military struck Gaza's Nasser Hospital at least four times during a deadly assault, resulting in significant casualties including journalists. Initial reports indicated two strikes; however, further analysis showed simultaneous hits on multiple locations. The strikes have drawn widespread condemnation and raised questions about compliance with international law, as hospitals maintain protected status under wartime regulations.
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 stated that Israel had struck the hospital twice, with the first blast followed nine minutes later by another that hit first responders and journalists arriving at the scene.
However, new analysis suggests the hospital was struck four times in total. BBC Verify and expert evaluations established that two staircases were hit almost simultaneously in the first wave, while another later attack comprised two separate strikes hitting the same location within a fraction of a second.
Israel does not allow international journalists to enter Gaza independently. BBC Verify identified the additional strikes by analyzing numerous videos provided by eyewitnesses and a local freelancer.
In the first incident, an Israeli strike hit the exterior staircase on the eastern side of the hospital at 10:08 local time, killing journalist Hussam Al-Masri who was operating a live TV feed for Reuters. Further analysis identified an additional previously unreported blast at a northern wing staircase at nearly the same time, obscured by the double-tap attack on the eastern staircase.
Videos showed smoke and damage at both staircases, and emergency workers reported that the hospital's operating department was also hit.
Approximately nine minutes later, while dozens of first responders and journalists gathered at the eastern staircase, Israeli forces struck the facility again. Newly emerged footage reveals that two separate projectiles hit the hospital milliseconds apart during this attack.
Experts disagree on the type of munition used in these strikes, with some analysts suggesting they were Lahat missiles, which can be fired from various military vehicles. However, others argue that the rapid succession of the strikes indicates multiple tanks were involved.
Following the attack, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) admitted responsibility, stating they regret any collateral damage, although they have not acknowledged conducting more than one strike on the hospital. Legal experts have suggested that such attacks may violate international law due to the protected status of hospitals.
The UN reports that at least 247 journalists have been killed in Gaza since October 7, 2023, making this conflict the deadliest for reporters on record. Israel's military operations in response to the Hamas-led attacks are condemned by many observers, highlighting the ongoing humanitarian impact of the conflict.
