Daijiworld Media Network - Gaza
Gaza, Nov 12: At least six Palestinians, including a surgeon and a 13-year-old patient, were killed and several others injured in an Israeli airstrike on Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis in southern Gaza early Thursday, November 12, according to Palestinian health authorities.
The strike hit the second floor of the Al-Yasin building within the Nasser Medical Complex, damaging the hospital's surgical department, intensive care unit and other medical facilities. Gaza's Civil Defence initially reported that more than 20 people were injured, while the Associated Press reported that at least 28 people sustained injuries.
Medical authorities identified the deceased surgeon as Dr Rizk Abu Shaira. The attack also claimed the life of a teenage patient. Rescue workers and hospital staff evacuated the injured through debris-filled corridors as emergency teams searched the damaged building.
The hospital's director said the strike caused extensive damage to the intensive care and surgical wards. The disruption also affected operating rooms and other medical services, adding to the pressure on Gaza's already severely strained healthcare system.
The Israeli military later confirmed carrying out the strike, saying it had targeted a senior Hamas commander and other members of the group's military wing allegedly operating from the hospital complex. The Israel Defence Forces and Shin Bet claimed that Hamas had established a presence inside the hospital and was using parts of the complex for military activities, including command operations and weapons storage.
The Israeli military said it had taken measures to minimise civilian casualties, including using precision munitions and aerial surveillance. However, its allegations about Hamas using the hospital for military purposes have not been independently established, and the military did not publicly provide evidence supporting the claims.
The attack has raised fresh concerns over the fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, which came into effect in October 2025 following two years of devastating conflict. Both sides have repeatedly accused each other of violating the agreement.
Palestinian health authorities have reported continued casualties from Israeli attacks since the ceasefire began, while Israel has maintained that its operations target Hamas fighters and military infrastructure.
Hamas condemned the latest hospital strike, describing it as a war crime. Gaza's Health Ministry also criticised the attack, saying that strikes on medical facilities and healthcare workers further undermine the territory's ability to provide treatment to the wounded and sick.
Nasser Hospital is one of the major medical facilities serving southern Gaza. The latest damage has heightened concerns over access to emergency and specialised treatment for patients in the region.
The incident comes amid continuing difficulties in restoring Gaza's healthcare infrastructure after more than two years of war. Hospitals have been struggling with shortages of medical supplies, damaged facilities and increasing demands for emergency care.