TEL AVIV, Israel (AP) — Gaza's Nasser Hospital turned into a tragic scene last week after an Israeli strike resulted in a death toll that included rescue workers and journalists. The attack has sparked global outrage, leading to questions about the justification behind such military operations. Israel has pledged to investigate the incident, which has raised serious concerns among international observers.
The strikes occurred in quick succession, taking the lives of 22 individuals, including five journalists, among them Mariam Dagga, who worked for the Associated Press along with other outlets. Reports suggest there may have been a misidentification of the hospital's media presence as a legitimate threat.
Despite oversight from military officials and international observers, conflicting accounts regarding the rationale of these strikes have emerged. Eyewitness accounts indicate that the strikes on the hospital occurred shortly after initial explosions, a method known as a 'double-tap' intended to compromise emergency responders. This tactic has drawn accusations of potential war crimes under international law.
The Israeli army has not clarified its operational strategies during the strike and failed to provide credible evidence supporting its claims of targeting Hamas militants. Reports suggest discrepancies within the Israeli military's list of casualties, further complicating the investigation. One individual listed as a militant was reportedly a health worker, raising questions about the ethics of operations in civilian areas.
As the investigation unfolds, the implications of this tragic incident extend beyond Gaza, highlighting ongoing concerns about the treatment of journalists and healthcare providers in conflict zones. The international community awaits clarity on whether justice will be served in the wake of such devastating losses.
