Israel’s Major Attack on Gaza: 15 Dead in Hospital Strike; Netanyahu Hints at Possible Lebanon Withdrawal
The conflict in West Asia has once again escalated after a series of deadly Israeli airstrikes on Gaza. In one of the most severe recent attacks, Israeli fighter jets targeted the Nasser Hospital in southern Gaza, resulting in the deaths of at least 15 people. The hospital, already struggling with an acute shortage of doctors, nurses, and medical staff due to the prolonged war, was left reeling under the fresh assault.
The Attack on Nasser Hospital
According to Gaza’s Health Ministry, the Nasser Hospital—located in the Khan Younis region—came under direct fire when Israeli aircraft launched two missiles at its fourth floor. The first missile struck the building with devastating force, and the second attack followed shortly afterward, just as relief workers and rescuers had rushed to the scene. This tactic, commonly referred to as a “double-tap strike”, is designed to maximize casualties by targeting both the initial victims and those attempting to provide aid.
Eyewitnesses described the scene as chaotic and heartbreaking, with patients, staff, and civilians caught in the crossfire. The hospital, which has been functioning continuously for nearly 22 months despite the war, has been hit multiple times in previous raids. Administrators noted that due to a severe lack of resources, it is becoming increasingly difficult to provide even the most basic medical services. Still, doctors and remaining staff continue to serve the injured under dire conditions.
Netanyahu’s Statement on Lebanon
In the midst of these developments, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a significant political statement. He welcomed a Lebanese proposal—sometimes referred to in international discussions as the “Lebanese Nobel judgment”—which suggests that the militant group Hezbollah could be disarmed by the end of 2025. Netanyahu indicated that if Lebanon were to take tangible steps toward disarming Hezbollah, Israel would consider a phased withdrawal of its troops from southern Lebanon.
This statement has drawn global attention, as it potentially opens the door for a shift in Israel’s military stance in the region, provided that Hezbollah lays down its arms.
Stalemate Between Hezbollah and Israel
The conflict between Hezbollah and Israel has been ongoing for decades. Although a temporary halt in the Israel-Hezbollah war was brokered by US mediation in November last year, the truce remains fragile. Hezbollah has repeatedly asserted that it will not agree to any talks on disarmament until Israel withdraws from the Five Rocks region in Lebanon and stops its near-daily air raids.
So far, these airstrikes and clashes have caused hundreds of deaths and injuries, with the majority of casualties being Hezbollah fighters. Nevertheless, civilian populations in both Lebanon and Israel continue to live under the constant shadow of violence and uncertainty.
US Pressure and the Road Ahead
The United States has been applying sustained pressure on Beirut to dismantle Hezbollah’s military structure. After more than 14 months of war, Hezbollah has already faced severe setbacks, including the loss of several of its top commanders. Despite this, the group still retains significant influence in Lebanese politics and security matters.
The future of the region hinges on whether Lebanon’s government can effectively move toward disarming Hezbollah and whether Israel follows through with its conditional offer of troop withdrawal. At the same time, ongoing violence in Gaza and the fresh wave of hospital strikes underline that the humanitarian crisis is worsening on multiple fronts.
As tensions rise simultaneously in Gaza and Lebanon, West Asia faces the risk of sliding further into instability. The international community now watches closely to see whether diplomatic efforts can create a path to de-escalation—or whether the cycle of violence will continue unchecked.
