Gaza hospital strike in Khan Younis leaves five dead including surgeon

At least five people lost their lives, including a surgeon, and roughly 20 others suffered injuries following an Israeli airstrike on Nasser Hospital in southern Gaza early Thursday, according to emergency officials in the territory.

Mahmoud Basal, speaking on behalf of Gaza's civil defence service, stated that the bombardment directly struck the surgical facility within the hospital complex located in Khan Younis. The strike inflicted severe physical destruction on the building. Medical personnel at the site confirmed that one of the victims was Rezik Abushira, a practicing surgeon.

The Israeli military did not issue an immediate statement or explanation regarding the strike on the medical center.

The attack comes amid an intensification of Israeli operations across the enclave. Israeli authorities have maintained that renewed pressure is necessary because Hamas has been attempting to reorganize its forces and replenish weapons supplies. Conversely, Hamas representatives maintain that they remain bound by a ceasefire deal established a year ago, asserting that ongoing Israeli strikes are meant to dismantle that agreement.

Local health officials report that more than 1,600 Palestinians have been killed in strikes by Israeli forces across Gaza since that truce took effect. During that same timeframe, Israel has reported four military casualties among its soldiers.

The overall death toll from the extended conflict continues to rise. Health authorities in the enclave estimate that more than 74,000 Palestinians have been killed since the war began.

The military campaign was launched after Hamas-led militants breached southern Israel on October 7, 2023, killing approximately 1,200 people, according to tallies released by Israeli officials. Medical facilities in Gaza have sustained recurring damage throughout the hostilities, severely limiting the capacity of local doctors to care for the wounded.