The Israeli military has said that an airstrike targeting a hospital complex in the southern Gaza Strip was directed at a senior Hamas commander, following reports of casualties and significant damage at the medical facility.

The incident occurred at Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis, one of the major healthcare centres still operating in the war-affected Palestinian territory. The attack has renewed international concerns over the safety of hospitals, medical workers and civilians caught in the ongoing conflict.

Israeli Military Explains Its Target

According to the Israeli military, the operation was aimed at a senior Hamas militant allegedly connected to military activities.

Israel has also claimed that Hamas was using the hospital complex for operational purposes. However, the military’s public statements have not provided independently verified evidence establishing the full circumstances of the alleged activities.

The incident has drawn attention because hospitals are protected civilian facilities under international humanitarian law, although their protection can be affected under specific circumstances if they are used for military purposes, subject to strict legal conditions.

Six People Reportedly Killed in the Attack

Gaza’s Civil Defence authorities reported that six people were killed in the Israeli strike and more than 20 others were injured.

Nasser Hospital also confirmed the deaths. Reports indicated that the attack damaged parts of the medical complex, including areas associated with surgical services.

Among those reported killed was a medical professional, highlighting the risks faced by healthcare workers attempting to continue treating patients during the conflict.

Emergency teams and medical personnel faced additional pressure as they dealt with casualties and damage to hospital infrastructure.

Nasser Hospital Faces Another Serious Security Incident

Nasser Hospital, located in Khan Younis, is an important healthcare facility serving residents across southern Gaza.

The medical centre has continued operating despite repeated security challenges, shortages of essential supplies and damage caused by the prolonged conflict.

Any attack affecting its buildings or medical departments can disrupt treatment for patients who have few alternative healthcare options.

The latest incident has therefore raised further questions about the protection of essential medical services in Gaza.

Ceasefire Tensions Increase International Concern

The strike comes amid continuing tensions between Israel and Hamas despite a ceasefire agreement that began in October 2025.

Both sides have accused each other of violating the arrangement, while military operations and casualties have continued to create instability throughout the territory.

The latest hospital incident could add further pressure on international mediators seeking to prevent renewed large-scale fighting.

Humanitarian organisations have repeatedly stressed the importance of protecting civilians, medical facilities and healthcare personnel during armed conflicts.

International Humanitarian Concerns Grow

The attack has once again brought attention to the difficult humanitarian situation in Gaza.

Hospitals require uninterrupted access to electricity, medical equipment, medicines and trained personnel. Damage to these facilities can affect not only those directly injured in an attack but also thousands of patients who depend on regular medical treatment.

International humanitarian law requires all parties involved in armed conflict to respect medical facilities and take precautions to protect civilians.

Independent investigations and reliable evidence will be important in establishing the full circumstances surrounding the strike.

Conclusion

The Israeli military’s statement that it targeted a senior Hamas commander at Nasser Hospital has placed the latest Gaza incident under renewed international scrutiny.

With six reported deaths, more than 20 injuries and damage to an important medical facility, the attack highlights the continuing humanitarian challenges facing southern Gaza.

The situation also reinforces the importance of civilian protection, respect for international humanitarian law and diplomatic efforts to maintain the ceasefire.