· Surgical wing of Nasser Hospital damaged, operating theatres and intensive care unit also hit ↓
An Israeli airstrike on the Nasser Hospital complex in southern Gaza has resulted in the deaths of six individuals and injuries to over 20 others, according to reports from Gaza's civil defence. The strike occurred within the medical complex, located west of Khan Younis, prompting a response from emergency services that recovered the deceased and the wounded. Mahmoud Bassal, a spokesperson for the civil defence, confirmed the fatalities and stated that the hospital had also issued a statement corroborating the death toll, which has drawn attention amid ongoing tensions in the region.
This incident unfolds against the backdrop of a fragile ceasefire that began in October 2025, following two years of conflict ignited by Hamas's unprecedented attack on Israel on October 7, 2023. Since the ceasefire's initiation, both Israel and Hamas have accused each other of violations. Reports indicate that, just two days prior to the hospital strike, Israeli forces were responsible for the deaths of seven individuals in the Gaza Strip, including a 13-year-old boy, while the Israeli military claimed these actions targeted military operatives.S1
The situation in Gaza remains dire, with the Gaza Ministry of Health, operating under Hamas authority, reporting that over 1,590 Palestinians have died since the ceasefire began. In contrast, the Israeli military has reported the deaths of seven soldiers and one civilian contractor during the same period. As tensions escalate, Israel has intensified its military actions, asserting that Hamas is attempting to regroup and replenish its arsenal, while Hamas accuses Israel of undermining the ceasefire agreement that has been in place for nearly a year.S2
Israeli strike on Gaza hospital kills six, including a surgeon, officials say
- Gaza's Health Ministry said the strike hit the surgical wing of Nasser Hospital and that a surgeon, Rizk Abu Shaira, was among the dead, according to The Independent and NBC News.
- The Israeli military said it was targeting a Hamas commander and other militants, without providing evidence, according to NPR and the Inquirer.
- An Associated Press journalist at the scene said parts of the hospital's second floor were destroyed, according to Naharnet.
- Reports differ: the strike is also described as killing five people in NUMBER FACTS, which is not confirmed.
Surgical wing of Nasser Hospital damaged, operating theatres and intensive care unit also hit
- Euronews and Africanews report the strike devastated the hospital's surgical department, with damage to operating theatres, recovery facilities and the intensive care unit.
- Euronews reports footage showing shattered ceilings and rubble across medical equipment and beds.
- A news report carried by an outlet not named here says the surgery department, which serves half of Gaza's 2 million people, was knocked out of service.
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