Report: Nasser strike was meant to be via drone; tank shells fired after troops spotted apparent rifle scope

A Channel 12 report offers further details on the circumstances surrounding the deadly Israeli strike at Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis that reportedly killed more than 20 people, including several journalists, and sparked international condemnation.

According to the report, Golani Brigade troops first identified a surveillance camera installed by Hamas on the hospital grounds, which they determined was being used to monitor Israeli troop movements. Southern Command approved a drone strike — not a tank shelling — to neutralize the device.

Shortly afterward, the troops spotted what they believed to be a rifle scope near the site, assessed it as an immediate threat, and requested urgent authorization to strike. The division commander then approved tank fire. Two shells were fired initially, followed by two more after armed men were identified, for a total of four.

Channel 12 adds that military sources said 10 of those killed were Hamas operatives, though the IDF has officially confirmed only six. The army said one of those killed took part in the October 7 massacre.

In its preliminary findings, published earlier today, the IDF said the hospital’s camera had been used by Hamas to track troop movements and direct attacks. Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir has ordered the probe to be expanded to examine the approval process for the strike, including the timing and choice of munitions.

The army reiterated that it regrets the harm caused to uninvolved civilians, while stressing that Hamas “cynically” exploits medical facilities for terror purposes.