The United Nations (UN) has demanded immediate accountability following Israel’s double airstrike on Gaza’s Nasser Hospital that killed at least 20 civilians including five journalists. This horrific attack also claimed the lives of four health workers during Monday’s assault in Khan Younis.
UN human rights spokesperson Thameen al-Kheetan called the incident “completely unacceptable” and demanded thorough investigations, stressing that those responsible must face consequences for targeting journalists and medical personnel. Furthermore, past Israeli probes into Gaza deaths have yielded no tangible results or accountability measures whatsoever.
The Israeli military initially claimed its strike targeted a Hamas surveillance camera observing troop movements. However, the IDF provided no evidence supporting this assertion while alleging six victims were “terrorists.” Crucially, a second strike hit rescuers and journalists just ten minutes after the first deadly blow. Consequently, the IDF admitted “gaps” requiring further investigation into authorization, ammunition, and field decisions.
Nationwide Protests Pressure Netanyahu
Meanwhile, Israelis blocked highways nationwide demanding the government accept a ceasefire deal to free remaining hostages. Protesters specifically targeted PM Netanyahu’s refusal to implement a Hamas-accepted proposal. Yehuda Cohen, father of a hostage, declared, “Israel stands against Netanyahu and his regime.” His plea emphasized the urgent need to prioritize hostages and end the war immediately.
Qatar’s foreign ministry stated mediators now await Israel’s response to the ceasefire offer, warning that delaying tactics constitute mere political posturing by the Israeli government. Simultaneously, Gaza’s health ministry reported 75 additional Palestinian deaths within the last 24 hours.
This hospital attack occurs amid a devastating humanitarian catastrophe, with a UN-backed report confirming famine conditions across Gaza City affecting over half a million people. Israel dismissed this finding as an “outright lie” despite widespread evidence of starvation. Additionally, Israel plans military control of Gaza City, threatening its destruction unless Hamas disarms and releases all captives.
The conflict began after Hamas’s 7 October, 2023 attack killed approximately 1,200 Israelis and took 251 hostages, with Gaza’s health authorities confirming over 62,800 Palestinian fatalities since then. Consequently, nearly the entire population faces displacement, destroyed homes, and collapsed essential services. The UN insists justice for this hospital strike is non-negotiable.
