UNITED NATIONS, August 25, 2025 – The United Nations has issued a strong condemnation and called for a prompt, impartial investigation into the deadly airstrikes that hit Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis, Gaza, on Monday, an incident that claimed the lives of at least 20 people, including medical personnel and journalists.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres described the killings as “horrific” and highlighted the extreme risks faced by those working in the besieged enclave. “These latest horrific killings highlight the extreme risks that medical personnel and journalists face as they carry out their vital work amid this brutal conflict,” stated UN Spokesman Stéphane Dujarric. The international body reiterated that civilians, medical staff, and journalists must be protected at all times and that their essential duties must be performed without interference, intimidation, or harm, in accordance with international humanitarian law.
Nasser Hospital Becomes Latest Target in Gaza Crisis
The attacks on Nasser Hospital, described as the only partially functioning public hospital in southern Gaza, reportedly involved at least two strikes. The initial strike hit the hospital’s main building, affecting its emergency department, inpatient ward, and surgical unit, and damaging an emergency staircase. A second strike occurred approximately eight to fifteen minutes later, while rescue workers and journalists were on the scene assisting the wounded. This tactic, often referred to as a “double-tap strike,” is known for maximizing casualties by targeting first responders and bystanders. The strikes have been condemned by various global organizations, including the World Health Organization (WHO) and Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF).
UN Calls for Accountability and Unwavering Protection
Secretary-General Guterres’s call for an investigation underscores the UN’s broader demand for accountability for attacks on vital civilian infrastructure and personnel in Gaza. The UN’s Human Rights Office has urged Israel to ensure accountability, noting that while Israeli authorities have announced investigations into similar incidents in the past, they have often not yielded results or accountability measures. UNESCO, the UN cultural agency, also condemned the killings, reiterating calls for adherence to UN Security Council Resolution 2222 on the protection of journalists in conflict zones.
Grim Toll: Journalists and Medics Among the Dead
The deadly strikes resulted in at least 20 fatalities, with reports indicating up to 22 deaths. Among the casualties were four health workers and five journalists, with 50 others injured. The killing of journalists has particularly drawn global condemnation, as it is one of the deadliest conflicts for reporters in recent history. At least 247 Palestinian journalists have been killed in Gaza since the war began, making them the “eyes and ears of the whole world,” according to the UN Human Rights Office. The systematic targeting of journalists and medical staff highlights the perilous working conditions and the immense challenges in reporting the ongoing events.
Gaza’s Healthcare System on the Brink
The assault on Nasser Hospital exacerbates the already dire situation for Gaza’s healthcare system, which has been severely degraded by the ongoing conflict. Reports indicate that only a fraction of Gaza’s hospitals remain operational, many facing severe shortages of supplies, fuel, and staff. The World Health Organization has documented hundreds of attacks on healthcare facilities since the conflict escalated in October 2023. This crisis unfolds against a backdrop of widespread displacement and famine, which the UN chief has characterized as a “failure of humanity itself.”
International Law and the Pursuit of Justice
The deliberate targeting of hospitals, medical personnel, and journalists is a direct violation of international humanitarian law. Critics argue that the “double-tap” tactic, which appears to have been employed at Nasser Hospital, suggests a deliberate intent to maximize casualties. The international community’s response has included calls for an immediate and permanent ceasefire, unfettered humanitarian access, and the unconditional release of all hostages. The world watches as demands for justice and adherence to international law intensify amidst the ongoing humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza.