Breaking news out of Gaza reveals a shocking twist in a deadly hospital attack! What was thought to be a “double-tap” strike is now exposed as a three-part assault, claiming lives of journalists and medical staff. Could this new footage truly uncover the full extent of the tragedy?
New evidence has emerged, revealing a third strike in what was initially reported as a “double-tap” attack on southern Gaza’s largest hospital, Nasser Hospital, escalating global condemnation. This complex incident, which resulted in the tragic deaths of at least 22 individuals including medical staff, emergency responders, and five journalists, highlights the devastating impact of ongoing conflict on civilian infrastructure and humanitarian efforts. The initial reports detailed a sequence of two strikes, but newly acquired video footage significantly alters the understanding of the events, suggesting a more intricate and lethal sequence of explosions.
The incident began around 10 a.m. local time when a tank shell reportedly struck a balcony at Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis, tragically killing a Reuters cameraman and others. Within a mere nine minutes, as rescue workers and fellow journalists converged on the scene to aid victims and document the unfolding tragedy, they were subjected to another volley of fire. This second assault, often referred to as a “double tap” tactic, compounds the severity of the attack, targeting those responding to the initial devastation and underscoring the extreme hazards faced by non-combatants and aid workers in conflict zones.
However, an exclusive new video obtained by CNN provides critical insight, revealing that the second reported “tap” was, in fact, two nearly simultaneous strikes. This crucial detail suggests a more intense and rapid succession of explosions than previously understood, with these subsequent two strikes appearing to be responsible for the majority of the casualties. The analysis of this footage is paramount in reconstructing the timeline and understanding the full scope of the violence that unfolded at the medical facility.
In the aftermath, the Israeli military initially defended its actions, claiming to have killed six “terrorists” and stating the attack targeted a “camera positioned by Hamas.” The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) insisted it does not intentionally target civilians and committed to investigating “several gaps” in its understanding. This narrative, however, has been challenged by local and international bodies, raising questions about the proportionality of force and the accuracy of intelligence in a highly sensitive operational environment.
Eyewitness accounts further corroborate the indiscriminate nature of the attack. One journalist, wounded in the incident, recounted from his hospital bed, “Journalists, patients, nurses, civil defense were on the stairs. We were directly targeted.” A frame-by-frame analysis of another video confirmed two munitions striking almost the same spot, consistent with “multi-purpose” tank guns. This forensic examination of the video evidence offers a stark visual record of the events and supports the testimonies of those present, emphasizing the direct targeting of the area where first responders had gathered.
The international community, including the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), Doctors Without Borders (MSF), and numerous countries, has vehemently condemned the strikes, emphasizing the protected status of healthcare facilities and personnel under international law. Nasser Hospital, being the sole operational medical center in southern Gaza, faces immense pressure, with healthcare workers pleading for safety amidst escalating military actions that have shuttered other vital facilities. This widespread condemnation underscores the critical need for adherence to international humanitarian law and the protection of essential services in conflict zones.
The evolving statements from Israeli officials have added layers of complexity to the incident. Initially, there was no direct acknowledgment of hitting the hospital or killing anyone linked to Hamas. Later, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed “deep regret” for a “tragic mishap,” while the IDF subsequently claimed to have identified a Hamas camera observing troops. This shift in narrative and the unaddressed discrepancies, such as the targeting of first responders and distinguishing alleged Hamas cameras from legitimate press equipment, fuel further scrutiny and demand thorough, transparent investigations. The burden of proof for the proportionality of such force, especially against a protected site like a hospital, remains a significant international concern.
