Israel strikes Gaza hospital after hostage release, escalating tensions
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Israeli airstrikes resumed in Gaza early Tuesday, with a strike hitting the Nasser Medical Complex, just hours after the release of Israeli-American hostage Edan Alexander by Hamas.
The military action targeted the hospital's surgical ward, causing significant damage and casualties.
According to Medical Aid for Palestinians (MAP), the strike destroyed the ward’s third floor, resulting in the deaths of two patients and injuries to medical staff.
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) stated that the target of the strike was Hassan Eslaiah, a prominent Gaza photojournalist who was receiving treatment at the hospital after being wounded in a previous Israeli airstrike in April.
Israel accuses Eslaiah of participating in the October 7, 2023 attacks on Israel and having links to Hamas’ Khan Younis Brigade, though no evidence has been provided to support these claims. The IDF described the strike as a “precise” operation to eliminate Eslaiah and other Hamas members operating under the guise of journalists.
Eslaiah, who had crossed into Israel on October 7 to document the attacks, faced allegations of links to Hamas after his photos were used by major news organisations, including CNN, which severed ties with him in November 2023. Eslaiah has denied the accusations, stating that he was not involved in any fighting and was merely documenting the events.
The Palestinian Journalists Protection Center condemned Eslaiah’s death, calling it a “heinous assassination” and demanding an international investigation into the incident. The group accused Israel of deliberately targeting journalists and silencing the “voice of truth.”
The strike on Nasser hospital is the latest in a series of Israeli attacks on medical facilities in Gaza, raising concerns over violations of international law. Under the Geneva Conventions, hospitals are protected during armed conflict and can only be targeted if they are being used for military purposes. The destruction of the surgical ward and damage to the intensive care unit at Nasser hospital have further strained Gaza’s already overwhelmed medical system, which is running low on fuel to power essential services due to Israel’s ongoing blockade.
The U.S. has renewed efforts for a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas following the release of Alexander, with Israeli officials set to resume negotiations in Qatar. However, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has made it clear that Israeli military operations will continue.
