In a devastating turn of events, an Israeli airstrike on the Nasser Hospital in southern Gaza has claimed at least six lives and left over 20 people injured, according to reports from the Hamas-run civil defence agency. The strike, which occurred early Thursday morning, targeted the surgery department of the hospital in Khan Younis, causing extensive damage. Notably, a surgeon is reported among those killed in this incident. Israel's military has yet to respond publicly to these allegations.
The Nasser Hospital, the largest in southern Gaza, has been a repeated target, having suffered a double strike in August 2025 that claimed at least 20 lives, including journalists and health workers. The ongoing Israeli strikes on Gaza continue despite a ceasefire agreement reached in October last year. Since then, over 1,600 people have reportedly been killed, according to Gaza's Hamas-run health ministry, a figure considered reliable by the United Nations.
The humanitarian crisis in Gaza has further deepened due to recent heavy rains that flooded tens of thousands of tents housing displaced families. This tragic event serves as another chapter in a conflict that was initiated by a Hamas-led attack on southern Israel on 7 October 2023, resulting in the death of approximately 1,200 people and the capture of 251 others. Since then, over 74,645 people have been reported killed in Gaza, according to the health ministry.
The international community has expressed concern over the escalating violence and worsening humanitarian situation in Gaza. The Civil Defence in Gaza, operating under the Hamas-run interior ministry, is carrying out recovery work with support from organizations like the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). However, it is important to note that independent reporting from within the Gaza Strip is restricted by Israel.