Israel struck Nasser Hospital at least four times during its deadly attack in southern Gaza on Monday, an analysis of new video footage by BBC Verify has found. The attack, which has attracted international condemnation and widespread anger, reportedly killed at least 20 people, including five journalists. Initial reports from Gaza said that Israel had struck the hospital twice, with the first blast followed nine minutes later by another which hit first responders and journalists who arrived at the scene.
However, new analysis suggests the hospital was struck four times in total. BBC Verify and expert analysis found that two staircases were hit almost simultaneously in the first wave, while what was thought to be a single later attack was, in fact, two separate strikes hitting the same place within a fraction of a second.
Israel does not allow international journalists to enter Gaza independently. BBC Verify identified the additional strikes by analyzing dozens of videos provided by a freelancer on the ground and material filmed by eyewitnesses that circulated online.
In the first incident, an Israeli strike hit the exterior staircase on the hospital's eastern side at 10:08 local time (07:08 GMT), killing journalist Hussam Al-Masri who was operating a live TV feed for Reuters. New footage shows smoke rising and damage at both staircases, while emergency workers reported that the hospital's operating department was also hit.
Roughly nine minutes later, while dozens of first responders and journalists gathered on the eastern staircase, Israeli forces struck the facility again. Frame-by-frame analysis of newly emerged footage indicates that two separate projectiles hit almost simultaneously, raising serious concerns regarding the attack's timing and reported military protocol.
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have stated their regret over any undue harm; however, they have faced scrutiny over possible violations of international law. The ongoing conflict has seen a staggering number of casualties, with reports indicating over 62,900 lives lost in Gaza since the start of hostilities.
However, new analysis suggests the hospital was struck four times in total. BBC Verify and expert analysis found that two staircases were hit almost simultaneously in the first wave, while what was thought to be a single later attack was, in fact, two separate strikes hitting the same place within a fraction of a second.
Israel does not allow international journalists to enter Gaza independently. BBC Verify identified the additional strikes by analyzing dozens of videos provided by a freelancer on the ground and material filmed by eyewitnesses that circulated online.
In the first incident, an Israeli strike hit the exterior staircase on the hospital's eastern side at 10:08 local time (07:08 GMT), killing journalist Hussam Al-Masri who was operating a live TV feed for Reuters. New footage shows smoke rising and damage at both staircases, while emergency workers reported that the hospital's operating department was also hit.
Roughly nine minutes later, while dozens of first responders and journalists gathered on the eastern staircase, Israeli forces struck the facility again. Frame-by-frame analysis of newly emerged footage indicates that two separate projectiles hit almost simultaneously, raising serious concerns regarding the attack's timing and reported military protocol.
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have stated their regret over any undue harm; however, they have faced scrutiny over possible violations of international law. The ongoing conflict has seen a staggering number of casualties, with reports indicating over 62,900 lives lost in Gaza since the start of hostilities.
