Israel announced it had targeted a senior Hamas operative in an overnight airstrike on a Gaza hospital that reportedly left six people dead.
The Israeli military stated that Muhammad Abu Ismail and other militants were operating a command center inside Nasser Hospital in Khan Yunis. Gaza’s civil defense service reported at least six fatalities, including a surgeon, with more than 20 wounded and severe damage to multiple floors of the facility.
While hospitals are protected under international humanitarian law during armed conflict, that protection can be lost if the facilities are used for military purposes.
Israel says hospital used for terrorist activities
In a Thursday statement, the Israeli military (IDF) asserted — without presenting evidence — that Hamas was “operating within Nasser Hospital in Khan Yunis” and using the complex “as a hub for military and terrorist activities against IDF troops and Israel.”
The IDF identified the targeted individual as Abu Ismail, describing him as responsible for directing terrorist attacks against Israeli civilians and IDF troops and for holding numerous hostages captive throughout the war.
The military further alleged the hospital was being used to store weapons, conduct interrogations, operate command-and-control rooms, and shelter militants.
What happened at the hospital?
The Gaza Health Ministry said the Israeli airstrike struck the surgery department, killing six people including surgeon Rizk Abu Sharia.
Reuters reported seeing footage from inside the hospital showing extensive damage with debris scattered throughout rooms and equipment. Wounded people were visible in the wreckage while several bodies were carried away as firefighters worked to clear the scene.
Hamas characterized the strike as a “fully-fledged war crime.” Since the war began in 2023, Israeli forces have struck multiple hospitals across the Gaza Strip.
Fragile ceasefire
The conflict erupted in October 2023 after Hamas-led militants attacked southern Israel, killing approximately 1,200 people and taking 251 hostages. Since then, more than 74,000 people have been killed in Gaza, according to the Gaza Health Ministry, whose figures are generally considered reliable by the international community.
More than 1.6 million of Gaza’s 2.1 million residents now live in tents or makeshift shelters due to the fighting. A ceasefire took effect in October 2025, but attacks have persisted. Israel contends Hamas is attempting to regroup, while the militant group maintains it remains committed to the ceasefire and accuses Israel of undermining the agreement.
Hamas is designated as a terrorist organization by the EU, the US, and several Arab states.
