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 claimed that Israel had struck the hospital twice, with the first blast followed nine minutes later by another that targeted first responders and journalists who arrived at the scene.
However, new analysis suggests four strikes in total. BBC Verify and expert assessments indicate that two staircases were hit almost simultaneously during the initial wave, while what was thought to be a single later attack actually comprised two separate strikes on the same location within a fraction of a second.
Israel does not permit independent international journalists into Gaza. The additional strikes were identified by analyzing numerous videos provided by a local freelancer and footage shared by eyewitnesses online.
The investigation highlights the complexity of the attack, with munitions analysts suggesting that simultaneous strikes may involve two tanks due to the rapid succession of impacts.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has faced widespread criticism for its attack strategy, where such aggressive actions against a medical facility raise serious questions about compliance with international humanitarian law.
Professor Janina Dill from Oxford University emphasized that attacking a hospital, especially a facility housing protected persons, can be deemed unlawful under the Fourth Geneva Convention.
As the crisis continues, casualty figures in Gaza have escalated dramatically, raising international calls for accountability and scrutiny of military actions within densely populated civilian areas.
