IDF strikes Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis; 6 killed

Israeli Air Force jets struck a building in the Nasser Hospital compound in Khan Younis in southern Gaza overnight Wednesday into Thursday, according to Palestinian reports. The spokesman for Gaza's civil defense told Reuters and other agencies that the strike hit the surgical ward and caused significant damage to the intensive-care area as well.

At least six people were killed and more than twenty wounded, according to the reports. A surgeon was reportedly identified among the dead. Khaled Abu Anza, described as a senior figure in Hamas's security apparatus, was also killed in the strike.

The IDF has not yet issued an official statement on the incident. Military sources said in response to inquiries that they are checking the details.

A hospital whose name keeps coming up

Nasser Hospital is one of the main medical facilities in the southern Strip.

In August of this year, the IDF and Shin Bet published intelligence indicating that Hamas's security and intelligence mechanisms conduct interrogations, detentions and other activities in the compound, including on the second floor of one of the buildings. According to those reports, Hamas operatives are seen in the compound regularly, and the site serves as a civilian-security command center beyond its medical function.

The pattern repeats itself: strikes on medical facilities draw sharp international criticism, while Israel argues that Hamas continues to use these facilities as human shields and as centers of military and security activity.

The incident takes place against the backdrop of continued fighting at lower intensity following an earlier ceasefire agreement, with both sides accusing each other of violations. The IDF recently struck terrorists who emerged from a tunnel shaft in the Khan Younis area west of the Yellow Line, and hits on targets were identified.

Medical equipment brought into the Gaza Strip (Photo: IDF Spokesperson)

In parallel, the IDF and COGAT continue extensive humanitarian activity in the Strip. As we reported, more than 91,000 tents and over 8,200 trucks carrying tarpaulins, blankets, winter clothing and additional equipment have been brought into the Strip as part of preparations for winter. At the same time, the IDF is advancing projects to improve water and sanitation infrastructure.