On Sunday, Israeli forces fired an airstrike directly at Nasser Medical Complex, the largest functioning hospital in all of Gaza. The strike affected the men’s surgical unit on the second floor. The Israeli military acknowledged responsibility for the attack. They claimed it was aimed at a “senior terrorist” linked to Hamas operatives that are reportedly holed up in the hospital. Consequently, dozens of civilians were killed, triggering international debate about the legality and humanitarian effects of the strike.
The incident would be a profound escalation in the rapid conflagration of the long moribund conflict, with the Israeli military greatly escalating operations in southern Gaza. According to reports, Israeli forces have encircled an entire district in southern Gaza, ordering evacuations as part of their strategy to "reinforce control and expand the security zone." The strike on Nasser Medical Complex has led to unprecedented criticism. This backlash is rooted in the hospital’s claim to greater protections as a civilian object under international humanitarian law. Such facilities can only be targeted under extremely limited circumstances if they are being used to commit "an act harmful to the enemy."
According to an American physician working in Gaza, Dr. Mark Perlmutter, Dr. Perlmutter confirmed this strike. He posted a video that captured the shocking and tragic aftermath within the hospital. Dr. Tanya Haj Hassan, a pediatrician with Medical Aid for Palestinians, was another eyewitness to the attack. Both physicians made it clear that the situation inside the hospital following the airstrike was dire.
The Palestinian Ministry of Health in Gaza denounced the attack, particularly highlighting that patients inside the hospital had nowhere to flee.
"Occupation forces have just targeted the surgical building inside Nasser Medical Complex, which houses many patients and injured individuals, resulting in a large fire at the location." – Palestinian Ministry of Health in Gaza
According to the Israeli military, they were completely justified. There was a strong strategic imperative to destroy Hamas’ operational capabilities.
"To continue to operate against the Hamas terrorist organization and to remove any threat to Israeli civilians." – Israeli military
The failure of adequate humanitarian aid to reach Nasser Medical Complex has aggravated the crisis. UNRWA details how the hospital has been left without basic medical supplies. For the last three weeks, it has been without food, potable water, medicines and fuel. The lack of essential resources is about to cause a great humanitarian catastrophe.
"Every day without food inches Gaza closer to an acute hunger crisis." – UNRWA
Nasser Medical Complex has a history of being bombarded and raided by Israeli forces. The latest strike exposes the persistent divide shown by the international community and whether or not international standards will be respected in armed conflicts.
Israeli operations in southern Gaza are increasing. Military officials have said infrastructure sites directly tied to Hamas should be targeted, arguing the group uses civilian locations as shields.
"Exploiting 'civilian infrastructure while brutally endangering the Gazan population.'" – Israeli military
Counter to accusations from both sides, the exact military target inside Nasser Medical Complex is still not identified by the Israeli army. This vagueness gives rise to never-ending arguments about proportionality and necessity in the conduct of military operations.
The international community still watches the situation in Libya with great attention, calling for restraint and respect for international humanitarian norms. As the humanitarian situation continues to worsen, it will likely have further implications for the protection of civilians and volatility within the region.
