Fifteen people, including three journalists, were killed after an Israeli strike hit Nasser Hospital in Gaza on Monday, according to Palestinian health officials. Among the journalists killed was Hatem Khaled, a photographer working as a contractor for Reuters. The attack has drawn widespread concern from international observers and human rights groups.

The strike comes amid Israel’s ongoing military campaign in Gaza. Last week, the Israeli government announced the initial stages of an operation to take control of Gaza City and called up tens of thousands of reservists. This followed clashes between Israeli troops and Hamas fighters last Wednesday. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office said the Israeli leader had sped up plans to capture Hamas strongholds and defeat the militant group that launched attacks on Israel in October 2023.

The escalation has raised fears of mass displacement, as international critics warn that further operations could force many Palestinians to flee their homes. Hamasaccused Netanyahu of obstructing a proposed ceasefire, calling the military operation a “brutal war against innocent civilians in Gaza City.” The group stated that Israel’s rejection of the ceasefire proposal proves Netanyahu is blocking any possibility of a truce.

Israel’s security cabinet, chaired by Netanyahu, approved plans to expand military operations in Gaza, with a particular focus on Gaza City, where urban combat with Hamas has intensified. Israel currently controls roughly 75% of the Gaza Strip, and the government says the campaign is aimed at eliminating Hamas’ stronghold in the area.

Despite calls from Israel’s allies to consider a temporary ceasefire, Netanyahu is under pressure from far-right members of his coalition to continue the offensive. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich also announced final approval for a controversial settlement project in the occupied West Bank, which critics say undermines any prospect of a Palestinian state.

The recent hospital strike, combined with ongoing military operations and settlement expansion, has heightened tensions in the region, drawing international attention to the humanitarian crisis unfolding in Gaza. Both sides remain entrenched in their positions, and the conflict shows no sign of easing in the near term.