An Israeli airstrike killed six people and injured approximately 20 others at the Nasser medical complex in Khan Yunis, in the southern Gaza Strip, on Thursday.
The strike targeted a building within the hospital compound, according to the Gaza Civil Defense, an emergency agency operating under the authority of Hamas. Mahmoud Bassal, a spokesperson for the agency, confirmed that rescue teams recovered the bodies of the victims and moved more than 20 injured individuals to safety.
The Israeli military acknowledged the operation, stating that it launched an airstrike to eliminate what it described as a “high-ranking Hamas terrorist” and other members of the group’s military wing. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) asserted that the individuals were operating from within the hospital grounds, which the military alleged Hamas has utilized as a command center.
“The strike was conducted to eliminate the threat posed by these individuals, after the terrorist organization Hamas had established a presence inside the hospital complex,” the Israeli military said.
Nasser Hospital authorities confirmed the death toll in a separate statement. The facility, which has served as a primary medical hub in southern Gaza, has faced repeated disruptions throughout the ongoing conflict.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Gadi Eisenkot, a member of the Knesset and former chief of staff, are scheduled to meet Thursday at the Prime Minister’s Office in Jerusalem.
A joint statement issued by the two officials indicated that the meeting will focus on an update regarding current diplomatic and security developments.
The Prime Minister’s military secretary, General Guy Markizano, is also expected to attend the briefing, as reported by the Italian news agency ANSA.
Earlier coverage: Six Palestinians die in Israeli airstrike on Nasser Hospital in Gaza
More on Nasser Hospital
An Israeli targeted assassination strike on the Nasser Medical Complex in the city of Khan Younis, southern Gaza Strip, killed at least 6 Palestinians and injured 25 others. The strike, which was carried out on the second floor of the hospital's surgery department, resulted in… pic.twitter.com/HxsZPQJ5BU
🎯 STRUCK: HAMAS BRIGADE COMMANDER HIDING IN A HOSPITAL WHO HELD NUMEROUS HOSTAGES CAPTIVE. The Commander of Hamas’ Khan Yunis Brigade Muhammad Abu Ismail & additional terrorists hiding inside of the Nasser Hospital were struck in a targeted IDF & ISA strike in southern Gaza.…
Dr. Rizq Abu Sha’ira was killed in an Israeli airstrike that hit Nasser Medical Hospital in the city of Khan Yunis, in the southern Gaza Strip. The strike resulted in the killing of 6 Palestinians and left 20 others injured. pic.twitter.com/Mm8RbC5Kxy
Gaza's Health Ministry says an Israeli airstrike targeting the Nasser Hospital in southern Gaza has killed six people and wounded at least a dozen more. https://t.co/VNa6Mysakf
Gaza's Civil Defence says an Israeli strike on Nasser Hospital has killed at least six Palestinians. The strike in Khan Younis also injured at least 20 other people, including staff. pic.twitter.com/KmPtuQZUw7
🎯 STRUCK: A senior Hamas terrorist and additional terrorists operating within Nasser Hospital in Khan Yunis, southern Gaza, to eliminate the threat they posed. Hamas used the hospital complex as a hub for military and terrorist activities against IDF troops and Israel,… pic.twitter.com/edBwV1pzM2
