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 has attracted international condemnation and widespread anger, reportedly killing at least 20 people, including five journalists. Initial reports from Gaza indicated that Israel struck the hospital twice, with the first blast followed by another nine minutes later that targeted first responders and journalists who arrived afterward.
However, new analysis reveals that the hospital was actually hit four times in total. It was identified that two staircases were struck almost simultaneously in the initial blast, and what was initially thought to be a single later strike was found to be two separate hits occurring within a fraction of a second.
Israel does not permit independent international journalists into Gaza, but BBC Verify identified these additional strikes by reviewing numerous videos from a freelancer on the ground and material shared by eyewitnesses online.
The first incident occurred at 10:08 local time, striking the exterior staircase of the hospital's eastern side, killing journalist Hussam Al-Masri, who was broadcasting live for Reuters. BBC Verify has also documented a previously unreported blast at a stairwell in the hospital's northern wing at around the same time.
New footage highlights the smoke rising and damage at both locations. Emergency workers reported that the hospital's operating department had been hit. Analysts, including N R Jenzen-Jones from Armament Research Services, suggested that the footage indicated interior damage consistent with a small munition, showing entry holes that imply the use of a munition with a flat trajectory.
Another nine minutes later, while numerous first responders and journalists were concentrated on the eastern staircase, Israeli forces launched another assault. Frame-by-frame analysis of new footage indicates that two separate projectiles struck the facility milliseconds apart, as experts debated over the type of munition used. Some analysts suggested that Lahat missiles, capable of being launched from various platforms including tanks, drones, and helicopters, may have been responsible.
The IDF has faced backlash for its actions, initially expressing regret about harm to civilians, later acknowledging responsibility. Allegations have surfaced that the strikes may have violated international law, as the Fourth Geneva Convention prohibits harm to civilians that is excessive relative to the anticipated military advantage.
At least 247 journalists have died in Gaza since October 7, 2023, highlighting the dangers present in the ongoing conflict that has already claimed almost 62,900 lives in the region.
However, new analysis reveals that the hospital was actually hit four times in total. It was identified that two staircases were struck almost simultaneously in the initial blast, and what was initially thought to be a single later strike was found to be two separate hits occurring within a fraction of a second.
Israel does not permit independent international journalists into Gaza, but BBC Verify identified these additional strikes by reviewing numerous videos from a freelancer on the ground and material shared by eyewitnesses online.
The first incident occurred at 10:08 local time, striking the exterior staircase of the hospital's eastern side, killing journalist Hussam Al-Masri, who was broadcasting live for Reuters. BBC Verify has also documented a previously unreported blast at a stairwell in the hospital's northern wing at around the same time.
New footage highlights the smoke rising and damage at both locations. Emergency workers reported that the hospital's operating department had been hit. Analysts, including N R Jenzen-Jones from Armament Research Services, suggested that the footage indicated interior damage consistent with a small munition, showing entry holes that imply the use of a munition with a flat trajectory.
Another nine minutes later, while numerous first responders and journalists were concentrated on the eastern staircase, Israeli forces launched another assault. Frame-by-frame analysis of new footage indicates that two separate projectiles struck the facility milliseconds apart, as experts debated over the type of munition used. Some analysts suggested that Lahat missiles, capable of being launched from various platforms including tanks, drones, and helicopters, may have been responsible.
The IDF has faced backlash for its actions, initially expressing regret about harm to civilians, later acknowledging responsibility. Allegations have surfaced that the strikes may have violated international law, as the Fourth Geneva Convention prohibits harm to civilians that is excessive relative to the anticipated military advantage.
At least 247 journalists have died in Gaza since October 7, 2023, highlighting the dangers present in the ongoing conflict that has already claimed almost 62,900 lives in the region.
