Israeli airstrike hits Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis

An Israeli airstrike hit a building housing the surgery department at Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis, southern Gaza, early on Thursday. According to the Gaza civil defence service, the attack resulted in at least six deaths, including a surgeon identified as Rezik Abushira, and left 20 others wounded. The blast caused significant structural damage to the hospital facilities, leaving corridors covered in debris and equipment destroyed.

The Israeli military stated that the strike targeted a senior Hamas militant and other members of the group's armed wing, alleging that the hospital complex was being utilized as a command center for military operations, including weapons storage and observation posts. These allegations have not been independently verified. While the Cyprus Mail reported the Israeli statement, the Famagusta Gazette noted that some reports claimed the military had not yet commented at the time of publication.

The incident occurs amidst an intensification of Israeli military operations in the Gaza Strip, as authorities aim to prevent Hamas from regrouping and replenishing stockpiles. No further updates regarding the status of the investigation or medical operations at the site have been provided.