Gaza: An Israeli airstrike on Nasser Medical Complex in southern Gaza’s Khan Younis has killed at least six people, including a surgeon, and injured 28 others, according to the hospital administration.
The Israeli military confirmed carrying out the strike early Thursday, saying it targeted a Hamas commander and other fighters inside the hospital. However, the military did not provide evidence to support the claim.
The attack caused major damage to several parts of the hospital, including the surgery department. Hospital director Dr Ahmed al-Fara said four key departments — radiology, laboratories, surgical operations and inpatient surgical wards — were forced to suspend services following the strike.
Hospital Infrastructure Damaged
Images from the facility showed severe destruction, with collapsed ceilings, damaged medical equipment and rubble covering hospital floors. A large hole was reportedly left in one area after the strike penetrated the building.
Dr Ayman Abu Ubaid, a surgical specialist at Nasser Medical Complex who was injured in the attack, described scenes of chaos inside the hospital.
“The bombing filled the rooms with thick smoke, caused fires and left wounded people crying for help. There was blood everywhere,” he said, adding that many medical workers suffered injuries from shrapnel and blast effects.
According to Abu Ubaid, the strike occurred around midnight without any prior warning, at a time when patients recovering from surgery were resting.
Surgeon Among Those Killed
Among those killed was Dr Rizk Abu Shaira, a 52-year-old general surgeon who had been featured in a documentary highlighting doctors working in Gaza during the conflict.
Dr Thaer Ahmad, another doctor featured in the documentary, paid tribute to Abu Shaira, saying he lost his life while treating and serving patients.
Reports said Abu Shaira was killed alongside one of his patients, whom he had previously operated on.
One of Gaza’s Last Functioning Hospitals
Nasser Medical Complex is considered one of the few remaining operational healthcare facilities in Gaza after months of conflict and widespread damage to medical infrastructure.
Hospital officials said the facility has faced repeated attacks since the beginning of the war. The Israeli military has previously accused Hamas of using hospitals for military activities, including command operations and weapons storage — allegations Hamas has denied.
International humanitarian organizations have repeatedly warned about the impact of attacks on healthcare facilities and medical workers. Under international humanitarian law, hospitals and medical personnel are protected, although those protections can change if facilities are used for military purposes.
Growing Humanitarian Crisis
The strike comes as Gaza’s healthcare system continues to face severe shortages of medicines, medical equipment and staff. Hospital director Dr al-Fara said Nasser Hospital is currently lacking around 80% of essential medicines and supplies.
The winter season has further increased humanitarian challenges, with heavy rains displacing people living in temporary shelters and contributing to the spread of diseases in overcrowded areas.
One of the victims, 29-year-old Seif Ghazi Abu Hatab, had been receiving treatment at Nasser Hospital after being injured while clearing rubble from a damaged home. His family said he was waiting for surgery and hoped to receive further medical care abroad.
“Seif wanted to rebuild his life and live normally after losing his family members,” his cousin said.
International Concern Over Gaza War
The war began after the Hamas-led attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, which killed around 1,200 people and resulted in the capture of hostages, according to Israeli figures.
Since then, Gaza has witnessed extensive destruction, with thousands of people killed and widespread damage to civilian infrastructure, including hospitals.
The latest strike has renewed international concerns over the protection of healthcare facilities and civilians as fighting continues in Gaza.
