LONDON: British lawmakers are calling for stronger action against Israel following a joint investigation by The Independent and Independent Arabia into the August 2025 strike on Gaza's Nasser Medical Complex, which killed more than 20 people, including five journalists.
The investigation has raised questions over possible violations of international humanitarian law and prompted renewed calls in Westminster for greater accountability, including expanded sanctions and, from some MPs, consideration of suspending trade with Israel.
The attack took place on 25 August 2025 at Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis. Among those killed were Independent Arabia correspondent Mariam Abu Dagga and Reuters cameraman Hussam al-Masri. Journalists working with the Associated Press and Reuters were also among those killed or wounded.
The joint investigation examined 17 eyewitness accounts, spoke to two Israeli whistleblowers and consulted weapons and international-law specialists.
According to the investigation, an initial Israeli strike hit an area where al-Masri was operating a live camera. Around eight minutes later, a second strike hit the same area as journalists, medical workers and first responders gathered.
The investigation questioned whether the second strike complied with the principles of distinction and proportionality under international humanitarian law.
However, the findings are allegations and expert assessments, not a judicial determination that a war crime occurred.
The Israeli military has acknowledged carrying out the strikes but disputes the account presented by the investigation.
According to the reporting, the military said it had targeted a camera it believed was linked to Hamas and maintained that militants were present in the area.
Israel's military said its review of the incident was being handled through its General Staff Fact-Finding and Assessment Mechanism.
The investigation, meanwhile, reported that the camera identified by the Israeli military was being used by Reuters for live news coverage.
The findings have intensified calls from British MPs for greater scrutiny.
Labour MP Sarah Champion, chair of the International Development Committee, said the UK and the wider international community must uphold the Geneva Conventions and protect journalists, civilians and humanitarian workers.
Liberal Democrat MP Layla Moran called for international legal scrutiny and said relevant evidence should be made available to international courts if requested.
Labour MP Rachael Maskell called for stronger sanctions against the Israeli government and urged consideration of suspending
The case has also renewed debate over the safety and protection of journalists covering the Gaza conflict.
International media organisations have repeatedly raised concerns about the risks faced by reporters, camera operators and other media workers working under wartime conditions.
Under international humanitarian law, journalists performing professional duties in conflict zones are generally considered civilians, provided they do not directly participate in hostilities.
That protection does not remove the risks of war, but civilians must not be deliberately targeted and military operations must comply with the principles of distinction, proportionality and precaution.
UK Government Calls for Accountability
The British government described the Nasser Hospital strike as “horrific” and reiterated that civilians, journalists and humanitarian workers must be protected.
A government spokesperson said Israel must comply with international law and investigate credible allegations of violations, with those responsible held accountable.
The government has also pointed to its broader policy on the Gaza conflict, including recognition of Palestine, suspension of negotiations on a UK-Israel trade agreement and continued diplomatic pressure over humanitarian conditions.
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The controversy surrounding Nasser Hospital goes beyond one deadly incident.
At its heart is a wider question about press freedom, civilian protection and accountability during war.
The competing accounts make independent investigation particularly important. Establishing whether international law was violated would require examination of the evidence, the intended target, the information available to commanders at the time and the circumstances surrounding the strikes.
Israel maintains that its military campaign is directed against Hamas and other armed groups and rejects allegations that it deliberately targets civilians.
The Nasser Hospital case has become another test of how the international community responds when journalists and medical workers are killed during armed conflict.
The central question now is not simply what happened at Nasser Hospital, but whether credible mechanisms can establish responsibility when allegations of unlawful attacks arise.
Who investigates when journalists are killed in a war zone — and who is ultimately held accountable?
— AALIMI NATION | International Affairs Desk
