Israeli Airstrike on Nasser Hospital in Southern Gaza Kills at Least Six
An overnight Israeli airstrike hit a surgery building at Nasser Hospital in southern Gaza, killing at least six people, including a Palestinian surgeon and a 13-year-old boy, health officials said Thursday. The attack shattered ceilings and left heavy debris across hospital wards in one of the few remaining functioning medical facilities in the enclave.
The Israeli military and the Israel Security Agency stated that the operation targeted a senior Hamas member, Muhammad Abu Ismail, who they alleged served as the commander of Hamas' Khan Younis Brigade and operated a military command center within the complex. The military maintained that steps were taken to mitigate civilian harm and that advance warnings were issued.
However, hospital medical staff and international doctors present during the strike disputed that any warning was given. Dr. Ayman Abu Obeid, head of the surgery department, reported that the strike occurred suddenly without notice. Among those killed was Dr. Rizq Abu Shaira, a surgeon featured in the 2026 documentary "American Doctor." Charities and hospital officials condemned the attack, noting that hospitals hold protected status under international law and that the ongoing strikes continue despite an existing U.S.-backed ceasefire.
