New Evidence Points to Third Strike in Israeli Attack on Gaza’s Nasser Hospital
The new revelations have further fuelled international outrage against Israel, as new footage shows a third attack on Gaza’s largest hospital, the Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis. The incident has already been described as a “double tap” attack – where a second attack is launched after the first one targets rescue workers – but has now become even more worrying with claims of a third attack. At least 22 people, including doctors, nurses, emergency workers and five journalists, were killed in the attack, leading to allegations of war crimes and disproportionate use of force.
The attack, which took place at around 10am local time on Monday, initially appeared to be a double attack, occurring nine to ten minutes apart. However, reports from CNN and other global news outlets suggest that Israeli forces attacked the hospital a third time, causing massive devastation and raising serious questions about military intent and accountability.
What Happened at Nasser Hospital?
Nasser Hospital, the largest in southern Gaza, has served as a lifeline for civilians during months of escalating violence. On Monday morning, chaos struck when a balcony of the hospital was shelled, reportedly by an Israeli tank. The initial strike killed a Reuters news agency cameraperson alongside several health workers.
Minutes later, as rescue workers and journalists rushed to aid the wounded, a second strike landed. This attack was consistent with what is known as the “double tap” tactic, historically criticized as a violation of international humanitarian law because it deliberately targets first responders.
The new footage indicating a third strike dramatically escalates the severity of the incident. If confirmed, it would mean Israel carried out not just a double assault but a triple hit on a functioning medical facility, amplifying global condemnation.
Casualties: Journalists and Health Workers Among the Dead
The confirmed death toll from the strikes stands at 22, though the figure is expected to rise as more bodies are recovered. Among the victims were health workers struggling to keep Gaza’s strained medical system alive, alongside emergency crews and journalists documenting the carnage.
Five journalists, including a Reuters cameraperson, were killed. The loss of media workers is particularly troubling, as it undercuts transparency in conflict zones. Press organizations worldwide have denounced the killings, saying they hinder independent reporting on the realities of war.
Doctors Without Borders (MSF) condemned the attack, calling it a blatant violation of the Geneva Conventions, which protect medical facilities, their staff, and patients during armed conflicts.
The “Double Tap” Tactic and Its Implications
The concept of a “double tap” strike has become synonymous with controversial military tactics that critics argue are designed to maximize harm. In such operations, the first strike inflicts casualties, and the second—launched shortly after—kills rescuers and emergency personnel who rush to the scene.
Human rights organisations have long argued that this approach is tantamount to a war crime. Targeting hospitals, emergency responders or journalists is a violation of international humanitarian law under the Geneva Convention. By reportedly going ahead with a third attack, Israel risks facing charges of deliberately targeting civilians and medical infrastructure.
If independently verified, the third strike would mark a new threshold of aggression in the conflict, strengthening calls for international investigations and accountability.
Israel’s Position and Lack of Transparency
The Israeli military has not provided any detailed explanation for the attack on Nasser Hospital, fuelling speculation and mistrust. Historically, Israel has justified its attacks on civilian areas by saying that Hamas fighters use them as cover. However, in this case, independent journalists and aid organisations have reported no evidence of terrorist activity inside the hospital at the time of the attacks.
Israel’s refusal to disclose operational details has been criticised, and the UN and international monitoring bodies have urged transparency. The longer Israel delays providing full details, the more it risks losing credibility on the global stage.
Global Reactions: Condemnation from All Sides
The international response has been swift and intense.
- United Nations: The UN Secretary-General condemned the strikes, reiterating that medical facilities enjoy special protections under international law.
- European Union: Senior EU officials labeled the attacks as “completely unacceptable” and called for an independent investigation.
- Journalism Bodies: Organizations such as the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) and Reporters Without Borders demanded accountability for the deaths of media workers.
- Human Rights Groups: Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch both stated that the strikes appear to constitute war crimes and must be investigated by the International Criminal Court (ICC).
Even Washington, one of Israel’s strongest allies, has expressed concern, with officials stating that hospitals and journalists must not be targeted in armed conflict.
Humanitarian Consequences
The Nasser Hospital strikes have far-reaching humanitarian implications. Gaza’s health system, already on the brink of collapse due to shortages of fuel, medical supplies, and staff, has been further crippled by the loss of workers and damage to infrastructure.
For civilians, this means longer waits for treatment, less access to lifesaving care, and a greater likelihood of preventable deaths. The destruction of hospitals does not just kill in the moment — it creates a ripple effect of suffering that lasts for months, if not years.
The Broader Context of the Gaza Conflict
The attacks on Nasser Hospital must also be seen in the broader context of the Israel-Gaza conflict. The war has already killed thousands, displaced millions and destroyed a large part of Gaza’s infrastructure. Civilians have been hit hardest by this violence, with schools, residential areas and now hospitals coming under fire.
International legal experts argue that repeated attacks on civilian facilities point to a systematic pattern of behaviour, not isolated errors. Each such incident strengthens the case for an international war crimes investigation.
Calls for Accountability
The alleged third attack on Nasser Hospital is expected to intensify calls for accountability. The ICC is already under pressure to investigate alleged war crimes in Gaza, and this incident could become a focus of it.
Civil society groups are also demanding strong political action and urging governments to halt arms sales to Israel until it complies with international law. The attacks are sparking grassroots movements around the world, with protests taking place in major cities demanding justice for the victims.
What Comes Next?
The future of accountability for the Nasser hospital attack remains uncertain. Much depends on whether international institutions are willing to overcome political barriers to conduct an independent investigation. Evidence from footage, eyewitness accounts and forensic analysis will play a key role in shaping this story.
In the meantime, the people of Gaza are suffering. Without urgent humanitarian intervention and protection of medical facilities, the situation will deteriorate even further.
Final Outlook
The revelations of a third attack on Nasser Hospital have added even more urgency and outrage to an already fraught conflict. What began as a dubious “double tap” attack now appears to be an even more deliberate plot, killing health workers, journalists and civilians in a place where they were meant to be treated, not harmed.
The global community faces a difficult test: whether it will allow such actions to go unpunished or demand accountability under international law. For Israel, the attack risks deepening isolation and undermining its claims of self-defence. For Gaza, it is another devastating blow in a war that has stripped its people of security, dignity and hope.
As footage continues to emerge and investigations intensify, the attacks on Nasser Hospital could become a defining moment in the global discussion on the Israel-Gaza conflict – a moment that will force the world to confront the cost of impunity in modern warfare.
Follow for more news at Valleynewz.com