US Ambassador to the United Nations, Dorothy Shea, has publicly defended Israel’s airstrike on Nasser Hospital in southern Gaza, arguing that the attack was a justified operation targeting Hamas militants. According to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), the strike killed six Hamas members, including one involved in the October 7 attacks, who were using the hospital to monitor Israeli troop movements. The incident, which resulted in at least 20 casualties—including five journalists—has sparked global outrage, with many criticizing the attack on a civilian medical facility.
Shea expressed understanding of Israel’s regret for civilian casualties and called on the Security Council to condemn Hamas for using civilian infrastructure for military purposes. Her remarks echoed Israeli UN Ambassador Danny Danon, who emphasized Israel’s commitment to targeting terrorists, not civilians. The strike has intensified international scrutiny over Israel’s military actions in Gaza, particularly its impact on protected civilian sites. The IDF released the names of the six casualties, identifying them as Hamas and Islamic Jihad members, but none of the journalists were listed. The incident has further complicated the already contentious conflict, which began with Hamas’ incursion into Israel on October 7, 2023.
The conflict in Gaza has been marked by intense military operations and humanitarian crises. Since October 7, Israeli forces have conducted numerous strikes, resulting in over 62,000 civilian deaths and 156,000 injuries, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry. The hospital strike has added another layer of controversy, with international organizations and media outlets condemning the attack on a medical facility. The incident has also raised questions about the accountability of Israel’s military actions and the protection of civilian infrastructure under international law. As the situation continues to evolve, the international community remains deeply divided over the ongoing conflict and the perceived legitimacy of military operations in the region.
The Israeli military’s response has been to emphasize its efforts to minimize civilian casualties and target only military infrastructure. However, the hospital strike has brought renewed attention to the challenges of distinguishing between combatants and civilians in conflict zones. The incident underscores the complexities of modern warfare, where the lines between military objectives and civilian casualties are increasingly blurred. As the conflict persists, the international community faces a critical need to address the humanitarian impact and the legal implications of such attacks.