International Outcry Follows Deadly Strikes on Gaza Hospital Amid Deepening Humanitarian Crisis

Gaza is reeling from the aftermath of two deadly Israeli air strikes on Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis, which killed at least 20 people, including health workers and journalists, on Monday, 25 August 2025. The incident has drawn strong condemnation from the United Nations and various international bodies, alongside urgent calls for an immediate ceasefire and impartial investigations.

The World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General, Tedros Adhanom Gebreyesus, stated that among the deceased were four health workers and five journalists, with another 50 people injured, some critically. He highlighted that the hospital’s main building, which houses the emergency department, inpatient ward, and surgical unit, was struck, and the emergency staircase was damaged. Tedros remarked that while people in Gaza are facing starvation, their already limited access to healthcare is being further crippled by repeated attacks, renewing his call to "STOP attacks on healthcare. Ceasefire now".

Journalists present during the strikes described a "double tap" attack, where a second missile struck about 10 minutes after the first, just as medics and journalists had arrived on the scene. One unidentified journalist expressed belief that journalists in Gaza are being targeted for reporting on the "unfolding events and crimes". Nearly 200 journalists have been killed in Gaza since the war began, with the UN noting that over 240 journalists have died since the war began nearly two years ago. The UN human rights office stressed that "these journalists are the eyes and the ears of the whole world and they must be protected," demanding that investigations "yield results" and accountability.

In response to the international outcry, Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office issued a statement saying the government "deeply regrets the tragic mishap" and that the military is conducting a "thorough investigation". However, the incident was called "completely indefensible" by a spokesperson for UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and "completely unacceptable" by the European Commission. UN Secretary-General António Guterres strongly condemned the strikes and called for a prompt and impartial investigation, reiterating that medical personnel and journalists must perform their duties without harm, in accordance with international humanitarian law.

Widespread Humanitarian Catastrophe

The strikes on Nasser Hospital unfold against a backdrop of a severe and worsening humanitarian crisis across Gaza:

Famine

Food security experts have confirmed that famine has taken root in Gaza Governorate and is projected to spread. The Gaza Ministry of Health reported that 11 people died from malnutrition and starvation in 24 hours, bringing the total to 300 hunger-related deaths, including 117 children, since October 7, 2023. UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini called for compassion to "undo this manmade famine by opening the gates without restrictions". UN Secretary-General Guterres previously described famine in Gaza as "a failure of humanity itself".

Displacement

New displacements have surpassed 800,000 since mid-March, with an estimated 5,000 people displaced from northern Gaza between 20 and 24 August alone, and 8,000 more to the west of Gaza City.

Aid Obstructions

Aid convoys continue to face delays, movement obstructions, and other challenges. On Sunday, only seven out of 15 humanitarian missions requiring coordination with Israel were facilitated, with four cancelled or denied, and others impeded or only partially accomplished.

Education on Hold

Children in Gaza continue to miss out on education, with several education facilities used as shelters attacked last week. The UN and its partners reiterate calls for the protection of education facilities.

Calls for Ceasefire and Hostage Release

The conflict began nearly two years ago following Hamas-led attacks on Israel, which killed roughly 1,200 people and resulted in 250 hostages being taken to Gaza. Israel responded with a massive military offensive that has since killed 62,819 Palestinians, according to the Hamas-run health ministry.

Protests are taking place across Israel, with families of hostages demanding their return and calling for a ceasefire. There are 50 hostages remaining inside Gaza, with 20 believed to be alive. Protesters also seek the return of the remains of 28 assumed dead hostages.

Despite a ceasefire proposal put forward by Egyptian and Qatari mediators – believed to be based on a US framework – Hamas accepted the proposal last week, but Israel has not officially responded and is reportedly not interested in "partial deals," demanding all hostages be released at once and the war ends on its terms. Qatar has accused Israel of "tactical manoeuvring of trying to delay the agreement". The Israeli security cabinet met but was not expected to discuss the latest ceasefire proposal.

UN Secretary-General Guterres renewed his call for an immediate and permanent ceasefire in Gaza, unfettered humanitarian access, and the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages.