The Israeli military launched missile strikes on the surgery and ICU departments of Nasser Hospital in Khan Yunis, southern Gaza, early Thursday morning, resulting in at least six deaths, including one surgeon, and 20 injuries. Hamas condemned the attack as a full-scale war crime amid a fragile ceasefire and a displaced persons camp flooding crisis.
At least six Palestinians died and 20 were injured after an Israeli airstrike hit buildings within Nasser Hospital in Khan Yunis, southern Gaza, early today (12 Nov), according to Gaza Civil Defense officials under Hamas administration.
Reuters reported, citing a Gaza Civil Defense spokesperson, that six people died, including one surgeon. Previously, Mahmoud Basal, the agency's spokesperson, told AFP that six deaths had occurred as well.
Local witnesses stated that a single missile from a fighter jet flying briefly over the area struck the building housing the hospital’s surgery and ICU departments, causing 20 injuries.
Medical officials identified the deceased surgeon as Razik Abu Shira. The director of Nasser Medical Center told reporters the strike was vertical, heavily damaging both male and female ICU and surgery departments.
Video footage released by activists showed thick smoke inside the building and extensive damage on the second floor, with medical equipment and patient beds scattered by the blast.
Reuters images inside the hospital revealed debris and scattered furniture throughout rooms, electrical wires hanging from a damaged ceiling, and civilians and staff carrying injured patients on stretchers through debris-filled corridors. Some helped injured people walk out. Bodies were also removed while firefighters worked outside.
A Hamas spokesperson issued a statement condemning the attack as a "full-scale war crime." Activists claimed the strike may have targeted high-ranking Hamas security personnel reportedly sheltering inside, though this claim remains unconfirmed.
The Israeli military has yet to issue a statement regarding the incident. The BBC said it had contacted the Israel Defense Forces for comment.
Israel frequently accuses Hamas, which retains weapons and security control in Gaza, of using hospitals for military operations, allegations consistently denied by Hamas.
Gaza Civil Defense, operating under the Hamas-run Ministry of Interior, conducts rescue and victim recovery efforts with support from the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).
Nasser Hospital, the largest hospital in southern Gaza, was targeted twice by Israel in August 2025, resulting in at least 20 deaths, including journalists and medical staff.
Despite a ceasefire agreement effective since October last year, Israeli strikes in Gaza continue. Gaza health officials report at least 1,600 Palestinian deaths since the ceasefire, while Israel reports losing four soldiers. Both sides accuse each other of ceasefire violations.
Israel says it has intensified attacks in Gaza as Hamas attempts to rebuild forces and arms stockpiles. Hamas insists it is abiding by the year-long ceasefire and accuses Israel of undermining the agreement.
Meanwhile, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza worsens after recent heavy rains flooded tens of thousands of displaced families’ tents.
The Gaza war escalated after Hamas launched an attack on southern Israel on 7 October 2023, which Israel says killed about 1,200 people and resulted in 251 hostages taken.
Since then, Gaza's Ministry of Health reports over 74,645 Palestinian deaths from Israeli military operations, a figure considered reasonably reliable by the United Nations.