The conflict in Gaza took a grim turn on August 25 when two Israeli airstrikes hit Nasser Hospital in Khan Yunis. The attacks, carried out within minutes of each other, left at least 20 people dead and around 50 others injured. Among the victims were five journalists, medical workers, and first responders who had rushed to help after the first strike.
The double attack, often described as a “double tap,” has sparked outrage around the world. International law protects hospitals and journalists, and human rights groups have described the incident as a violation of humanitarian principles. Press freedom organizations mourned the loss of media workers who were killed while doing their jobs, highlighting the dangers faced by journalists covering the war.
The Israel Defense Forces claimed the target was a Hamas surveillance camera on the hospital roof. However, the military has not provided evidence to support this claim. Officials later called the incident a “tragic mishap” and said an internal investigation would be conducted. Critics argue that the second strike, which hit while rescuers and journalists were on the ground, raises serious questions about intent and proportionality.
Global condemnation followed swiftly. The United Nations, several governments, and rights groups demanded accountability, stressing that medical facilities should never be targeted during conflict. Observers have pointed out that the attack has further eroded trust in Israel’s military campaign and heightened calls for independent investigations.
Meanwhile, inside Israel, anger over the war is intensifying. On the same day as the hospital strikes, massive protests broke out across the country, with Tel Aviv seeing some of the largest demonstrations yet. Tens of thousands of people took to the streets, demanding an immediate ceasefire and the release of hostages still held in Gaza. Protesters blocked major roads and accused the government of prioritizing military operations over the lives of civilians and captives.
The dual crisis of mounting civilian deaths in Gaza and growing unrest in Israel underscores the deepening complexity of the conflict. As international pressure builds and domestic protests grow louder, the path forward remains uncertain.
