UN Demands Answers After Israeli Strike on Gaza Hospital

A War Zone Without Safe Spaces

On Monday, the Nasser Hospital in southern Gaza was hit by two Israeli airstrikes fifteen minutes apart. First, the area was bombed, and then a second strike hit just as rescue workers and journalists arrived to aid the wounded. Among the 20 killed were five journalists from Reuters, AP, Al Jazeera, and independent media outlets.

This so-called “double-tap” attack has sparked widespread international condemnation — and now the UN Human Rights Office is demanding action.

“There must be justice,” said Thameen Al-Kheetan, spokesperson for the UN Human Rights Office, on Tuesday. “We have seen many statements from Israel about investigations — but still no accountability.”

An Explanation That Raises More Questions

The Israeli military claims the strike targeted a Hamas camera positioned in the hospital compound. They further allege that six of the people killed were “terrorists.” However, this statement fails to address the central question: why was there a second bombing — and why were the rescue workers and journalists specifically targeted?

According to NGO Action on Armed Violence (AOAV), 88% of Israel’s war crimes investigations are closed without conclusion. This includes cases involving killings of civilians during evacuations and strikes on tent camps.

The UN fears that a “pattern of impunity” is emerging.

The Most Dangerous Place in the World for Journalists

Over 247 journalists have been killed in Gaza in the past 22 months. This makes the conflict the deadliest for press workers in modern history — with more journalists killed than during both World Wars and the Vietnam War combined.

At the same time, Gaza remains almost completely closed to foreign media. This means Palestinian journalists are increasingly risking their lives — often without international attention or protection.

French President Emmanuel Macron called the attack “intolerable” and underlined the crucial role of the media in conflict zones: “Civilians and journalists must be protected under all circumstances.”

Pressure on Israel — But No Change in Course

Amid condemnation, 209 former EU ambassadors have demanded concrete action: an end to arms exports, prosecutions of war criminals, and ending cooperation with Israeli actors involved in illegal actions.

But on the ground in Gaza, Israel is intensifying its offensive. Over 75 people have been killed in the past 24 hours, and fighting in Gaza City is expected to continue for up to five months. Hospitals are being ordered to evacuate patients — a move which, according to the medical organization PHR, is effectively a “death sentence” for many.

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