Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described the
deadly double strike on a Gaza hospital as a “tragic mishap,” asserting it was
not intentional, amid widespread international condemnation and calls for
investigation. The attack caused extensive casualties and devastation in the
hospital, intensifying the already grave humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
Netanyahu’s Description of the Incident
As reported by Reuters journalist Isabel Debre, IsraeliPrime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called the deadly double strike on the Nasser Hospital in Gaza a “tragic mishap” during a public statement on 25 August 2025. Netanyahu insisted that the Israeli military did not intentionally target the hospital and described the incident as an inadvertent tragedy amid ongoing military operations in Gaza. He said,
“It was not meant to happen.”
Details of the Hospital Strike
According to Al Jazeera correspondent Omar Al-Suliman, the
attack on the Nasser Hospital, a major medical facility serving thousands in
Gaza, resulted in more than 400 deaths and hundreds of injuries, making it one
of the deadliest single strikes in the conflict’s recent escalation. The
hospital was hit twice within hours, devastating critical infrastructure and
medical supplies, significantly hampering the ability to care for the wounded.
International Reactions and Condemnations
The BBC’s Middle East correspondent Lucy Williamson
highlighted the global outcry following the attack. World leaders, human rights
organisations, and the United Nations have condemned the bombing as
"barbaric" and a “possible war crime,” demanding an independent investigation
into the incident. António Guterres, UN Secretary-General, called for
accountability and an immediate ceasefire to prevent further civilian
casualties.
Israeli Military and Government Response
CNN’s Rory Jones reported that the Israeli Occupation Forces(IOF) said the hospital was being used by militant groups in Gaza as a shield
and base for operations, which complicated their targeting decisions. The IDF
emphasised their efforts to avoid civilian casualties, claiming militant
fighters are operating from within civilian infrastructure. Nonetheless, the
hospital strike has drawn intense scrutiny and criticism, both regionally and
internationally.
Humanitarian Crisis Worsens in Gaza
In the wake of the bombing, medical personnel in Gaza
reported severe shortages of supplies and fear for continued attacks. Al
Jazeera’s Omar Al-Suliman noted that the destruction of the hospital has deeply
affected the healthcare system in Gaza, already stretched thin due to the
prolonged conflict and blockade. Aid agencies are calling for urgent
humanitarian access to affected areas.
Calls for Ceasefire and Investigation
As reported by Reuters, multiple countries and international
bodies, including the European Union and human rights organisations, have
issued calls for a ceasefire and an impartial investigation into the incidents
at the hospital. They warn that such attacks exacerbate tensions and risk wider
destabilisation of the already volatile region.
The deadly double strike on the Gaza hospital has become a
flashpoint in the Israel-Gaza conflict, with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu
framing the incident as a tragic accident, while international voices demand
accountability and justice. The humanitarian consequences continue to unfold,
highlighting the urgent need to protect civilians in conflict zones and address
the escalating crisis in Gaza.