Tessa Quinn
On 25 August 2025, an Israeli double strike on the Nasser hospital in Gaza killed at least 20 people, including five journalists and four health workers. The first strike hit the top floor of the building, killing Reuters journalist Husam al-Masri and others. As rescuers and journalists rushed to the scene, a second bomb struck 15 minutes later. While Israel deeply regretted the incident and claimed it was conducting a thorough investigation, this was not the first time Israel has struck hospitals and journalists in Gaza.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Date of the incident | 25 August 2025 |
| Location | Nasser Hospital, Khan Younis, Gaza |
| Number of strikes | 2 |
| Number of people killed | 20 |
| Number of journalists killed | 5 |
| Names of journalists killed | Hussam (or Husam) al-Masri, Mariam (or Mariam Abu) Dagga, Mohammed Salama, Moaz Abu Taha, Ahmad Abu Aziz |
| Organisations journalists killed worked for | Reuters, Associated Press, Al Jazeera, Quds Feed, Middle East Eye |
| Number of health workers killed | 4 |
| Reactions and comments | "Horrified by Israel’s attack on Nasser hospital. Civilians, healthcare workers and journalists must be protected. We need an immediate ceasefire," UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy; "I’m not happy about it," US President Donald Trump; "intolerable," French President Emmanuel Macron; "tragic mishap," Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu |
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What You'll Learn
Israel's double strike on Nasser Hospital
On 25 August 2025, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) conducted a double-tap strike on Nasser Hospital in Khan Yunis, Gaza, killing at least 20 people, including five journalists. The hospital was struck at least four times, with the first wave of attacks involving two simultaneous strikes on separate staircases. The second wave consisted of two near-simultaneous blasts hitting the same location within fractions of a second. The attack also claimed the lives of medical staff, paramedics, and other civilians, with approximately 50 others wounded.
The journalists killed in the strike worked for international media outlets, including Reuters, the Associated Press, Al Jazeera, and Middle East Eye. They were Cameraman Hussam al-Masri, Mariam Abu Dagga, Mohammed Salama, Moaz Abu Taha, and Ahmed Abu Aziz. Al-Masri was killed near a live broadcasting position operated by Reuters on an upper floor of the hospital. Dagga, 33, was a freelance journalist who often reported from the hospital and had a 13-year-old son. Salama worked for Al Jazeera and Middle East Eye and was planning his wedding to another journalist, Hala Asfour. Taha was a freelance photographer who also worked with Reuters, and Aziz was a correspondent for Middle East Eye and Quds News Network.
The double-tap strike tactic is designed to maximise casualties by firing on those who respond to the scene of a first attack. The fact that most of the deaths were caused by the second strike appears clearly intentional. The strike has drawn widespread condemnation from the international community, including the UN Secretary-General, the UK, France, Germany, and the US. UN Secretary-General António Guterres strongly condemned the "horrific killings", saying they "highlight the extreme risks that medical personnel and journalists face" and called for a "prompt and impartial investigation" and "an immediate and permanent ceasefire". The UK called the attacks "horrific and completely indefensible", while France said civilians and journalists must be protected and renewed its call for humanitarian aid to be allowed into Gaza. Germany expressed shock at the strike, and the US said it was "not happy" about it.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called the incident a "tragic mishap" and said that Israel "deeply regrets" what happened. He added that military authorities were "conducting a thorough investigation". The Israel Defense Forces acknowledged striking the area of Nasser Hospital and said the chief of the general staff had ordered an inquiry. They added that they regret any harm to uninvolved individuals and do not target journalists as such. However, media organisations have accused the Israeli military of a pattern of intentionally targeting journalists throughout the war.
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The killing of journalists
On Monday, 25 August 2025, at least 20 people, including five journalists, were killed in an Israeli double strike on Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis in southern Gaza. The journalists killed were Reuters cameraman Hussam al-Masri, Mariam Abu Dagga of the Associated Press, Al Jazeera's Mohammed Salama, freelance photojournalist Moaz Abu Taha, and Ahmad Abu Aziz from Quds Feed.
The attack was a "double tap" strike, with a second bomb hitting 15 minutes after the first, killing those who had arrived to help those wounded in the initial attack. The journalists had rushed to the scene to cover the first strike, which hit the top floor of the building. Footage of the attack shows a doctor at the hospital's entrance holding up bloodied clothes to journalists following the first strike, before a blast sends people running for cover. Another video, captured on a livestream by al-Ghad TV, shows the second strike hitting the emergency workers and journalists, sending smoke and rubble into the air.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called the incident a "tragic mishap" and said military authorities were "conducting a thorough investigation". However, Israel has a history of striking hospitals and killing journalists in Gaza, and investigations into misconduct by its military rarely ensure accountability. The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) reported that at least 193 Palestinian journalists have been killed since 7 October 2023, and the war in Gaza has been the deadliest conflict for journalists ever recorded.
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International condemnation
The Israeli bombing of a hospital in Gaza, which killed at least 20 people, including five journalists, has drawn international condemnation and outrage. The attack, which Israel claimed was a "tragic mishap", has been described as a potential war crime by the UN and other international bodies.
The UN Secretary-General, António Guterres, strongly condemned the "horrific killings", calling for a "prompt and impartial investigation" and an "immediate and permanent ceasefire". He highlighted the extreme risks faced by medical personnel and journalists in the conflict zone. The UN human rights office also spoke out, stating that the killings "should shock the world into action". The head of the World Health Organization (WHO) renewed calls for a ceasefire in Gaza, emphasizing the critical shortages of blood and heavy restrictions on aid deliveries.
The UK's Foreign Secretary, David Lammy, expressed horror at the attack, stating that civilians, healthcare workers, and journalists must be protected. Prime Minister Keir Starmer's spokesperson echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the need for journalists to be shielded from harm. France's President Emmanuel Macron also described the strikes as "intolerable" and called for humanitarian aid access and respect for international law. Germany's Foreign Office conveyed its shock at the incident.
US President Donald Trump, while initially stating he was unaware of the strikes, later commented that he was "not happy about it". The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) condemned the Israeli strike and appealed to the international community to take action. The killing of journalists has prompted widespread concern, with many questioning the targeting of media professionals and calling for investigations and accountability.
The international community's response to the bombing of the hospital in Gaza highlights a collective demand for the protection of civilians, humanitarian workers, and journalists in conflict zones. The condemnation underscores the gravity of the incident and the urgent need for accountability and a resolution to the conflict.
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Israel's investigation
The investigation will reportedly look into the authorisation and decision-making process that led to the attack, as well as the ammunition that was used. However, Israel has a history of targeting hospitals and journalists in Gaza, and there is scepticism about whether Israeli inquiries into misconduct by its military ensure accountability. A report published by Action on Armed Violence (AOAV) found that 88% of Israel’s investigations into war crime allegations in Gaza were shut down or left unresolved. This includes the killing of at least 112 Palestinians in February 2024 and an airstrike that killed 45 Palestinians in May 2024.
The bombing of the hospital in Gaza has provoked international condemnation and calls for a prompt, impartial, and independent investigation. The UN Secretary-General, António Guterres, strongly condemned the "horrific killings" and called for a "prompt and impartial investigation". The UK also called the attacks "horrific" and "completely indefensible", with Prime Minister Keir Starmer's spokesperson saying that journalists should always be protected. French President Emmanuel Macron described the strikes as "intolerable" and renewed calls for humanitarian aid to be allowed into Gaza and for Israel to respect international law. Germany's Chancellor, Friedrich Merz, said that he did not believe the strike was a targeted attack against journalists but would wait for the results of the investigation before making a final judgment.
The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) has reported that the war in Gaza has been the deadliest conflict for journalists ever recorded, with nearly 200 journalists killed since the start of the war. The killing of journalists in the strike on the hospital has been widely condemned, with UN officials calling it "silencing the last remaining voices reporting about children dying silently amid famine". Rights groups and foreign ministries worldwide have also added to the pressure on Israel to ensure accountability and justice.
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Hospitals as safe spaces
Hospitals are meant to be safe spaces for patients, staff, and visitors. However, the tragic incident of Israel bombing a hospital in Gaza serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerability of medical facilities during times of conflict.
The impact of a safe hospital environment extends beyond the physical safety of those within its walls. A positive work environment in hospitals has been linked to improved patient safety and decreased healthcare costs. Research shows that supportive leadership, positive group environments, and collaboration contribute to a positive organizational climate, which, in turn, enhances patient safety.
To create and maintain safe hospital spaces, several measures can be implemented:
- Efficient Hospital Design: Hospital buildings should be designed to avoid overcrowding and facilitate easy navigation for patients. Good signage and designated volunteers to guide patients can improve their experience and safety.
- Staff Safety: Staff members should have access to rest areas away from patients and be provided with appropriate safety equipment, especially when working with hazardous materials or equipment.
- Waste Management: Hospitals should have separate and clearly marked holding areas for hazardous waste, with colour-coded waste collection bins to ensure proper disposal and compliance with local regulations or World Health Organization guidelines.
- Emergency Preparedness: Hospitals should be designed with potential emergencies in mind, such as fires, natural disasters, or security threats. Regular mock drills and checks should be conducted to ensure preparedness and quick response in the event of a real emergency.
- Organizational Climate: A positive organizational climate, characterized by supportive leadership, effective communication, and collaboration, contributes to patient safety and employee satisfaction.
By prioritizing these measures, hospitals can strive to provide a safe and secure environment for all who enter their premises, regardless of external conflicts or emergencies.
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Frequently asked questions
Israel.
At least 20 people, including five journalists and four health workers.
The attack was widely condemned by the international community. The UK called the attacks "horrific" and "completely indefensible". French President Emmanuel Macron called for civilians and journalists to be protected and for humanitarian aid to be allowed inside Gaza. Germany's foreign office said it was "shocked".
Yes, the Israeli military ordered a preliminary investigation into the strike, expressing regret for "injury to uninvolved personnel". The UN Secretary General António Guterres called for "a prompt, and impartial investigation" in addition to "an immediate and permanent ceasefire".
