Israel struck Nasser Hospital at least four times during its recent attack in southern Gaza on Monday, according to a thorough analysis of new video footage by BBC Verify.
The attack has drawn international condemnation and outrage, reportedly resulting in at least 20 fatalities, including five journalists. Early reports indicated two strikes, with the initial blast followed by another nine minutes later, which targeted first responders and journalists who had rushed to the site.
However, new insights show that the hospital was hit four times overall. The expert analysis indicated that two staircases were impacted almost simultaneously in the initial wave. Additionally, what was believed to be a single later attack turned out to be two nearly simultaneous strikes hitting the same area.
Access for international journalists in Gaza is restricted, so BBC Verify utilized dozens of videos shared by freelance sources and eyewitness material that circulated online to identify the additional strikes.
In the first attack, an Israeli strike targeted the eastern exterior staircase of the hospital at 10:08 local time, killing journalist Hussam Al-Masri from Reuters, who was reporting live. Other footage unearthed by BBC Verify confirmed an additional, hitherto unreported attack on a northern wing staircase occurring at virtually the same time, overshadowed by the first blast.
Footage shows smoke rising and damage visible at both staircases, while emergency personnel indicated that the hospital's operating department had also been hit.
Roughly nine minutes after the initial strikes, when numerous first responders and journalists had congregated at the eastern staircase, Israeli forces struck the hospital once more. Frame-by-frame scrutiny of newly released footage revealed that two different projectiles struck the hospital milliseconds apart, targeting a vulnerable access point where personnel gathered.
Experts remain divided on the nature of the munitions used in the later strikes. While some analysts identified them as Lahat missiles — a guided munitions type — others noted that the rapid succession of the impacts suggests the involvement of multiple tanks firing at once. Satellite images corroborate the presence of Israeli armored vehicles within firing range of the hospital at the time of the attacks.
The IDF declined to comment further on newly identified blasts. They had previously expressed regret for civilian casualties following the attack but provided no justification. Subsequent narratives have evolved, with claims regarding the presence of Hamas-operated surveillance equipment near the hospital.
Legal experts have raised alarms over potential violations of international law, emphasizing that civilian targets like hospitals retain their protected status under armed conflict laws. The ongoing fatalities among journalists highlight the risks faced in this unprecedented conflict.
