At least 21 Palestinians, including five journalists, were killed in an Israeli “double-tap” strike on Nasser Hospital in southern Gaza on Monday.

Doctors reported that the first strike hit the hospital building, followed by a second attack minutes later as journalists and rescuers rushed to the scene. The journalists killed were Al Jazeera’s Mohammad Salama, Reuters cameraman Hussam al-Masri, AP freelancer Mariam Abu Dakka, along with Ahmed Abu Aziz and Moaz Abu Taha.

Al Jazeera condemned the attack as an attempt to “silence the truth,” while UN special rapporteur Francesca Albanese said such killings are happening “every moment in Gaza, often unseen and unpunished.”

Since October 7, 2023, at least 273 journalists have been killed in Gaza. On the same day, another journalist, Hassan Douhan of Al-Hayat al-Jadida, was killed in Khan Younis. Earlier, Al Jazeera’s prominent correspondent Anas al-Sharif was also targeted and killed.

France, Germany and the UK have called for an investigation, but Israel described the incident as a “tragic accident.”

Meanwhile, ongoing bombardments and famine killed at least 61 more people across Gaza on Monday. The UN has warned of worsening child malnutrition, while Oxfam described the crisis as “unprecedented in scale and severity.”

Israel has launched a major offensive to capture Gaza City, beginning with operations in Zeitoun and Jabalia. The assault, approved by Defense Minister Israel Katz on Wednesday (20 August), left at least 81 Palestinians dead in a single day, including 15 who were waiting for aid.

Despite ongoing ceasefire talks, Israel has decided to expand its military campaign in Gaza. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the timeline had been shortened to bring the war to a quicker end.

To secure control of Gaza City, Israel has called up 60,000 reserve troops and extended the service period of an additional 20,000 soldiers. Five divisions are set to participate in the operation.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reportedly decided to pursue a full military takeover of the Gaza Strip, despite strong opposition from the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) and the potential risk to hostages still held by Hamas.

According to a report by The Times of Israel on Monday (August 4), Netanyahu is expected to seek cabinet approval for the plan within the week. Several ministers have confirmed that Netanyahu has privately used the word “takeover” in conversations, signaling a significantly more aggressive military stance toward Gaza.

A senior official close to Netanyahu told Israeli media outlet Walla: “The decision has been made. We are going to take full control of Gaza.” The official added that operations would extend even into areas where hostages are believed to be held. “If the Chief of Staff disagrees, he should resign,” the source was quoted as saying.

However, Israeli military leadership appears divided. IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi has reportedly expressed opposition to the full occupation plan. Currently, IDF controls about 75% of Gaza. The new plan would expand operations to the remaining areas, effectively bringing the entire strip under Israeli military control.

Military officials have warned that such a move could take years due to the extensive underground infrastructure developed by Hamas. They also raised concerns that an intensified operation may place the lives of hostages at immediate risk.

Humanitarian organizations and international observers have also raised alarms about the potential consequences for Gaza’s civilian population and ongoing aid efforts, should Israel proceed with full-scale occupation.

While Netanyahu has announced plans to convene the cabinet soon to discuss the next steps, some analysts suggest he may ultimately urge patience to allow negotiations for hostage releases to continue.