August 25, 2025 | Black Westchester News
An Israeli airstrike on Nasser Hospital in Gaza has killed at least 15 people, including four journalists, one of whom worked for Reuters. The attack occurred amid a new wave of Israeli military operations and has drawn widespread condemnation from international leaders, press freedom advocates, and humanitarian organizations. Health officials in Gaza say dozens were injured in the strike, many critically, as emergency workers rushed to rescue patients and medical staff trapped under debris. Witnesses described chaotic scenes as medics carried wounded children and journalists scrambled to safety.
Among those killed were four members of the press, sparking outrage from global media organizations and renewed concerns about journalists’ safety in conflict zones. The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) issued a statement condemning the strike:
“Targeting or killing journalists in conflict zones is unacceptable and undermines the public’s right to information. We call for an immediate, independent investigation.”
The Reuters journalist killed was reportedly covering the escalating clashes when the hospital was struck.
The Israeli government has not yet issued an official statement on the hospital bombing. Anonymous military officials claimed the strike targeted areas where Hamas militants were allegedly operating, but no evidence has been presented to substantiate the claim. Human rights organizations warn that striking a functioning hospital could constitute a war crime under international humanitarian law.
The attack comes amid mounting pressure in Washington to reassess U.S. military aid to Israel. While the United States remains Israel’s largest defense partner, recent votes in Congress reveal deep divisions within the Democratic Party. In July 2025, 24 Senate Democrats backed a resolution from Sen. Bernie Sanders to block $675 million in bombs and munitions to Israel, while 27 Democrats supported a separate measure to halt the sale of tens of thousands of assault rifles. Both measures failed, with final votes of 24–73 and 27–70.
In the House, a separate amendment to cut $500 million in U.S. military funding for Israel failed overwhelmingly 422–6. Only four Democrats—Al Green (TX), Ilhan Omar (MN), Rashida Tlaib (MI), and Summer Lee (PA)—voted in favor of the funding cut. These votes underscore growing tensions within the Democratic Party between its progressive wing, which is demanding stronger accountability for civilian casualties, and party leadership, which continues to support unconditional aid to Israel.
Former President Donald Trump has not yet commented on the Nasser Hospital strike specifically, but he has previously voiced concern about the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and urged progress on ceasefire negotiations. He has acknowledged that “a lot of people are starving” and has called for hostages to be released as a path toward ending the conflict. In July, Trump expressed disapproval directly to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu after an airstrike hit Gaza’s only Catholic church, and Netanyahu later admitted it was a mistake. However, as civilian casualties continue to rise and global outrage intensifies, many observers believe that sooner or later, Trump will have to take a tougher stance on Netanyahu and Israeli military actions if he hopes to balance U.S. strategic interests with mounting humanitarian concerns.
The strike on Nasser Hospital triggered swift condemnation. United Nations Secretary-General António Guterrescalled the incident “deeply disturbing”, urging all parties to protect civilians and respect international law. Human Rights Watch demanded a UN-led investigation into the bombing, calling hospitals protected facilities under international law. Protests erupted across Europe and the U.S., with demonstrators demanding an immediate ceasefireand an end to U.S. weapons funding for Israeli military operations.
The hospital strike further deepens Gaza’s humanitarian emergency, with hospitals already facing severe shortages of medical supplies, electricity, and clean water. Relief agencies warn that continued strikes on medical facilities could push the health system to total collapse.
International human rights groups are demanding a transparent inquiry into the hospital strike, while divisions within the Democratic Party could force the Biden administration to reassess its support for Israel. Growing international outrage is also increasing diplomatic pressure on both Israel and Hamas to halt escalations.
The airstrike on Nasser Hospital marks a dangerous turning point in the ongoing Gaza conflict. With journalists among the dead, the tragedy has intensified global calls for accountability, reignited debates over U.S. military aid, and raised urgent questions about civilian protection, press freedom, and international law.
