NextFin news, Israel struck Nasser Hospital in southern Gaza at least four times on Monday, August 25, 2025, during a deadly attack that killed more than 20 people, including five journalists, according to an analysis by BBC Verify.
The initial strike hit the hospital's eastern exterior staircase at 10:08 a.m. local time, killing Reuters journalist Hussam Al-Masri who was operating a live TV feed. Almost simultaneously, a previously unreported blast struck a northern wing staircase, causing damage and injuries inside the hospital's operating department.
Approximately nine minutes later, while dozens of first responders and journalists had gathered at the eastern staircase, Israeli forces launched a 'double-tap' attack, firing two projectiles milliseconds apart at the same exposed stairwell, hitting those who had arrived to assist.
Experts analyzing video footage identified the munitions as likely Lahat missiles, guided projectiles fired from tanks, drones, or helicopters. Satellite images showed Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) armored vehicles within firing range about 2.5 kilometers northeast of the hospital on the day of the attack.
The IDF initially acknowledged carrying out a strike in the hospital area, expressing regret for harm to uninvolved individuals and opening an inquiry. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu later described the incident as a 'tragic mishap' but the military claimed the target was a Hamas camera used to observe IDF troop movements near the hospital.
International legal experts have raised concerns that the attacks may have violated international law, particularly the Fourth Geneva Convention, which prohibits attacks on civilians and protected medical facilities unless justified by direct military necessity. Oxford University law professor Janina Dill noted that the presence of adversary equipment does not remove a hospital's protected status.
The attack has drawn widespread international condemnation, with calls for protection of civilians, healthcare workers, and journalists in conflict zones. Since the conflict began in October 2023, at least 247 journalists have been killed in Gaza, making it the deadliest conflict for reporters on record.
The Israeli military campaign in Gaza was launched in response to a Hamas-led attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, which resulted in approximately 1,200 deaths and 251 hostages. The Gaza health ministry, run by Hamas, reports nearly 62,900 deaths in Gaza during the same period.
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