An Israeli airstrike hit Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis in southern Gaza early Thursday, killing six Palestinians, including surgeon Dr. Rizk Abu Shaira and a 13-year-old boy, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry.
At least 28 people were wounded, the ministry said, while earlier accounts from Gaza’s civil defence and Reuters put the number of wounded at about 20.
The strike hit the hospital’s surgical wing, damaging wards, operating rooms and medical equipment.
Ahmed al-Farra, the hospital’s general director, told the Associated Press that surgeries had been suspended along with work in the radiology department and laboratory because of the damage.
He said the hospital received no warning before the attack.
The Israeli military claimed it targeted Muhammad Abu Ismail, whom it identified as commander of Hamas’s Khan Younis Brigade, along with other militants it said were inside the hospital.
It accused Hamas of using the complex as a headquarters for military activity.
The military did not publicly provide evidence supporting those allegations, and AP reported that Abu Ismail was not among those confirmed killed.
Hamas denied using the hospital to plan attacks and condemned the strike.
Thursday’s attack follows previous Israeli strikes on Nasser Hospital, one of the Gaza Strip’s major remaining medical facilities.
On August 25, 2025, two Israeli strikes at the hospital killed at least 20 people, including five journalists, according to the Committee to Protect Journalists.
Those killed included Reuters contractor Hussam al-Masri and Associated Press freelancer Mariam Abu Dagga.
The latest strike comes more than a year after a US-backed ceasefire took effect in October 2025.
Gaza health authorities say Israeli strikes and gunfire have killed more than 1,600 Palestinians since the truce began, while Israel has also reported military fatalities during that period.
Both Israel and Hamas have accused the other of violating the agreement.