Israeli airstrike on Nasser hospital in Gaza killed surgeon and others

An Israeli airstrike hit Nasser hospital in Khan Younis early Thursday, killing six people and injuring 28, according to the hospital director. The dead included surgeon Rizk Abu Shaira and a patient he had operated on; another victim, Seif Ghazi Abu Hatab, was awaiting surgery after being injured while clearing rubble. Israel said it had targeted a Hamas commander and other fighters at the hospital but provided no evidence. A wounded surgeon described an unannounced midnight attack that filled rooms with smoke and fire as patients and staff were injured. The blast destroyed part of the surgery department, damaged several floors and forced the suspension of radiology, laboratory, surgical and inpatient services.

Nasser is one of Gaza’s few remaining functioning hospitals, though it has been attacked seven times since the war began and is already short of about 80% of essential medicines and supplies. The account places the strike amid widespread damage to Gaza’s health system, citing estimates that roughly 90% of its infrastructure has been destroyed or damaged and that more than 1,700 healthcare workers have been killed. International humanitarian law protects medical facilities, although that status can be lost if they are used for military purposes; Israel accuses Hamas of using hospitals militarily, while Hamas denies it. The report also notes mounting winter health needs as flooding, displacement and disease affect crowded encampments, and says Israeli strikes have continued despite the 2025 ceasefire.