UN Demands Accountability for Gaza Hospital Bombing Amidst Ongoing Conflict
Published 27 August 2025
Highlights
- The UN has called for accountability following Israel's "double-tap" bombing of Nasser hospital in Gaza, which killed 20 people, including five journalists.
- Journalists in Gaza face extreme conditions, working from tents near hospitals to access electricity and internet, amidst ongoing Israeli military strikes.
- Since the conflict began on October 7, 2023, at least 197 journalists have been killed, with 189 being Palestinians, according to the Committee to Protect Journalists.
- Israel's military actions, including the targeting of hospitals and media workers, have raised questions about potential violations of international law.
- The Israeli military has announced plans to establish additional humanitarian aid centers in southern Gaza as it prepares for further military operations.
The United Nations has urged Israel to ensure accountability following the deadly bombing of Nasser hospital in Gaza, which resulted in the deaths of 20 individuals, including five journalists. The incident, described as a "double-tap" strike, has intensified scrutiny over Israel's military actions in the region and raised significant concerns regarding the safety of media workers.
Journalists Under Siege in Gaza
Journalists in Gaza are enduring harsh conditions as they strive to report on the ongoing conflict. With power outages widespread across the region, many have resorted to working from tents near hospitals to access electricity and reliable internet connections. These makeshift workspaces, however, do not guarantee safety. Israeli strikes on hospitals have claimed the lives of several journalists, including a recent attack on Nasser hospital in Khan Younis.
Abdullah Miqdad, a journalist in Gaza, described the dire circumstances, stating, "I never imagined that one day I would be living and working in a tent, deprived of the most basic human necessities." The Committee to Protect Journalists reports that since the conflict's escalation on October 7, 2023, at least 197 journalists have been killed, with 189 being Palestinians.
Legal and Humanitarian Concerns
The targeting of hospitals and media workers has sparked debates over potential violations of international law. The Guardian's Peter Beaumont noted that the attack on Nasser hospital could constitute a war crime, as it involved targeting a functioning hospital, journalists, and rescue workers. The UN's human rights office has emphasized the need for justice and accountability in these incidents.
Israel's Military Strategy and Humanitarian Efforts
As the conflict continues, Israel has announced plans to establish additional humanitarian aid centers in southern Gaza. These centers aim to support Palestinians expected to relocate during upcoming military operations. Meanwhile, Israeli forces have conducted operations in the West Bank, further escalating tensions in the region.
What this might mean
The ongoing conflict in Gaza presents a complex legal and humanitarian challenge. The UN's demand for accountability could lead to increased international pressure on Israel to justify its military actions. If evidence of war crimes is substantiated, it may prompt calls for international intervention or sanctions. Meanwhile, the precarious situation for journalists highlights the urgent need for enhanced protections for media workers in conflict zones. As Israel prepares for further military operations, the humanitarian situation in Gaza is likely to deteriorate, necessitating swift and coordinated international aid efforts.
