Israeli Strike at Gaza’s Nasser Hospital Kills Six, Wounds More Than 20
The attack struck the surgical department of a major medical complex in Khan Younis, raising fresh concerns about civilian protection and the fragile Gaza ceasefire.
An Israeli airstrike struck the Nasser Medical Complex in Khan Younis, southern Gaza, early on Thursday, killing six Palestinians and injuring more than 20 others, according to Gaza’s Civil Defence and hospital authorities.
The strike hit a building within the hospital complex, damaging medical facilities and disrupting services at one of the territory’s principal healthcare centres.
Gaza Civil Defence spokesperson Mahmoud Basal said the attack targeted the Al-Yasin building. Hospital officials reported damage to surgical and intensive-care facilities.
Reuters initially reported at least five deaths, including surgeon Rezik Abushira, while later reporting by Ireland’s RTÉ, citing Civil Defence and hospital authorities, placed the death toll at six.
The Israeli military had not provided a substantive explanation at the time of the initial reports. An Israeli military spokesperson told RTÉ that the military was checking the information.
The incident adds to continuing tensions surrounding the ceasefire that took effect on 10 October 2025, following two years of war that began after the Hamas-led attacks on southern Israel on 7 October 2023.
Israel has maintained that its military operations are intended to prevent Hamas from regrouping and rebuilding its military capabilities. Hamas has accused Israel of undermining the ceasefire and violating its terms.
Despite the agreement, attacks and casualties have continued, creating uncertainty over the durability of the arrangement and the prospects for a lasting reduction in violence.
The condition of Gaza’s healthcare system remains a major concern. Hospitals have faced extensive damage, shortages of medical supplies, pressure on emergency departments and difficulties maintaining essential treatment services.
Damage to surgical and intensive-care facilities is particularly consequential because patients requiring emergency operations and critical treatment may have few alternative options.
The attack also raises questions about the protection of medical establishments under international humanitarian law. Medical facilities and healthcare personnel receive specific protections under the laws of armed conflict, subject to the relevant legal conditions.
Determining whether a particular strike violates those protections requires an independent examination of the circumstances, including the target, military necessity and precautions taken.
The incident reinforces the need for independent investigations, access for humanitarian organisations and effective mechanisms to protect civilians and medical personnel.
For Gaza’s population, the continuation of attacks against or near essential medical infrastructure threatens not only immediate lives but also the territory’s capacity to deliver healthcare in the longer term.
Research and reporting sources
- Reuters — Israeli strike on southern Gaza hospital kills at least five, 12 November 2026
- RTÉ/AFP — Israeli strike kills six at Gaza hospital, 12 November 2026
- Anadolu Agency — Israeli airstrike kills six Palestinians at Nasser Hospital
