20 Killed, Including 5 Journalists, in Israeli “Double-Tap” Strike on Nasser Hospital in Gaza
The video at the end of the article captures the moment a shell hits journalists and rescuers on Gaza’s Nasser hospital balcony, viewer discretion advised for disturbing and violent content!
This post can be read in Tocsin Magazine, and all Medium members can read the full article here.
Introduction
In a recent article, we discussed how Israeli forces bombed a tent housing journalists, killing six, under the claim that one had “reportedly” collaborated with Hamas. Since then, the situation in Gaza has not improved: children, the elderly, women, and journalists continue to die.
On the morning of August 25, 2025, an Israeli strike on Nasser Hospital killed approximately 20 people, including five journalists, in what again was allegedly “entirely accidental.” This hospital, one of the largest and last partially functioning medical facilities in southern Gaza (Khan Younis / Deir al-Balah area), has been pushed to the brink. Reuters
Prime Minister Netanyahu, as expected, issued an apology citing a “mistake” to rationalize this horrific act.
It is staggering that more journalists have been killed in this conflict than in all other wars combined since World War II. According to the Palestinian Journalists Syndicate, over 240 Palestinian journalists have been killed in Gaza since the offensive began on October 7, 2023.
Who were the journalists killed in the Israeli attack on Nasser Hospital
After freelance journalist Ahmed Abu Aziz (Middle East Eye) succumbed to his injuries from the strike, he became the fifth journalist killed. Earlier victims included:
- Mariam Dagga, AP freelancer
- Mohammed Salama, Al Jazeera camera operator
- Hussam al-Masri, Reuters collaborator
- Moaz Abu Taha, a freelance photographer who worked with Reuters
Reuters also reported that their collaborator, photographer Hatem Khaled, was wounded. In addition to the journalists, health workers, patients, civil defense personnel, and even a firefighter died, including a civil defense member killed while attempting to assist. Reuters
This is what people say on X about this Israeli “Double-Tap” Strike on Nasser Hospital in Gaza
How the attack unfolded
Witnesses described a second attack occurring just as rescuers, journalists, and others rushed to the initial strike site. This appears to have been a two-phase “double-tap” attack, first luring responders in and then striking again to kill survivors, medics, and journalists. TheGuardian.com
The first missile struck the fourth floor, where the operating theater, emergency department, and staff quarters were located, followed minutes later by a second strike on the external stairway where rescuers and journalists had gathered.
This tactic constitutes a violation of the Geneva Conventions and is considered a war crime.
Why is a “double-tap” strike a war crime
- It deliberately targets medics, rescuers, and journalists, protected under international humanitarian law.
- The Geneva Conventions and Additional Protocols specifically protect both medical personnel and civilians not participating in hostilities.
- Such tactics aim not only to inflict damage but to maximize civilian casualties and hinder rescue operations.
In short, a “double-tap” is not standard military action; it intentionally targets vulnerable groups who ought to be protected.
Israeli reaction
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called it a “tragic mishap” and expressed “deep regret.” The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) announced an investigation led by the chief of staff, insisting they do not target journalists and lamenting collateral damage.
They claimed the strike was prompted by surveillance camera footage allegedly installed by Hamas within the hospital. NewYorkPost
Military expansion: Offensive on Gaza City
- On August 20, 2025, Israel launched an expanded military offensive, Operation “Gideon’s Chariots B”, aimed at fully capturing Gaza City, a Hamas stronghold.
- The IDF confirmed that preliminary operations had begun, with forces now active on the city’s outskirts.
- Netanyahu approved the offensive; Defense Minister Israel Katz warned Gaza City could be entirely destroyed if Hamas refuses to surrender.
- Tens of thousands of reservists were mobilized — some estimates suggest up to 130,000 soldiers.
Humanitarian crisis in Gaza
This tragedy occurred amid a protracted conflict that began in October 2023, which has claimed more than 240 journalists and tens of thousands of civilian lives. Gaza’s healthcare infrastructure is collapsing, and attacks on hospitals have become alarmingly frequent. Wikipedia
For the first time in modern Middle East history, the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) declared famine in Gaza City and surrounding areas, IPC Phase 5: catastrophic food crisis.
Currently, approximately 514,000 people are experiencing famine, around a quarter of Gaza’s population, with projections rising to 641,000 by the end of September. Reuters
International condemnation and calls for investigation
- UN Secretary-General AntΓ³nio Guterres demanded a “prompt and impartial investigation,” emphasizing that medical personnel and journalists must be protected.
- Advocacy groups like CPJ, Reporters Without Borders, and the Palestinian Journalists Syndicate condemned the attack as a “war crime,” a “blatant assault on press freedom,” and targeted violence against protected groups.
- Several nations, including France, the UK, Germany, Spain, and Canada, strongly denounced the attack and called for accountability.
- Even former President Trump expressed shock: “I’m not happy about it. I don’t want to see it. At the same time, we have to end that… nightmare.” abc.net
The footage of the first hospital strike, broadcast live by Reuters via Hussam al-Masri and abruptly cut off at the moment of impact, is devastating. The video, captured during the attack, shows the grenade explosion striking people standing on the hospital balcony.
Warning: extremely violent and disturbing content!!!
Conclusion
The attack has elicited unified global condemnation and demands for an investigation. Israel responded with expressions of regret and plans for inquiry, citing legitimate military targets.
Yet, international experts warn that such attacks likely violate humanitarian law, particularly in targeting protected groups like medics and journalists. Netanyahu’s words of sorrow and apologies sound hollow when witness accounts and footage strongly indicate a deliberate double-tap strike, excluding any claim of mistake.
https://cryptonftworlds.blogspot.com/2025/08/targeted-israeli-airstrike-in-gaza-and.html
Greetings, and until my next article!
Neo77
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