GAZA, November 12, 2026: An Israeli airstrike hit the Nasser Medical Complex in Khan Younis, southern Gaza, killing at least six Palestinians and injuring around 20 others, according to Gaza’s Civil Defence and health authorities.
The strike occurred early Thursday and reportedly hit the hospital’s surgical department inside the medical complex. The attack damaged parts of the building and raised further concerns about the safety of patients, healthcare workers and medical facilities across the Gaza Strip.
The Israeli military confirmed carrying out the strike, stating that it targeted a senior Hamas commander and other members of the group’s military wing who were allegedly operating inside the hospital complex. However, the military’s allegations about the use of the hospital have not been independently verified by Reuters.
The incident has renewed international attention on the humanitarian situation in Gaza and the protection of healthcare facilities during the continuing conflict.
Israeli Airstrike Damages Nasser Medical Complex in Khan Younis
Hospital Building Targeted During Early Morning Strike
The Israeli airstrike struck the Nasser Medical Complex in western Khan Younis during the early hours of Thursday, November 12.
According to Gaza Civil Defence spokesperson Mahmoud Bassal, the strike hit the Al-Yasin building within the hospital complex. The attack reportedly affected the second floor, including areas associated with the surgical department.
Rescue teams responded to the incident and began assisting injured people inside the medical facility. Medical staff also worked to manage the emergency and assess the damage to hospital departments.
Reuters reported that footage from the location showed damage inside the medical complex and patients being evacuated following the strike.
Surgical and Medical Departments Suffer Damage
The hospital’s surgical facilities were among the areas affected by the attack. Reports also indicated damage to other sections of the medical complex, including intensive care and surgical wards.
Nasser Hospital is an important healthcare facility in southern Gaza. Its services are particularly significant because the territory’s healthcare system has experienced extensive damage during the conflict.
Damage to medical infrastructure can disrupt essential services, including emergency treatment, surgery and ongoing care for patients who require regular medical attention.
Casualties and Emergency Medical Response
Six Palestinians Killed in the Hospital Strike
Gaza Civil Defence spokesperson Mahmoud Bassal reported that six Palestinians were killed in the strike and around 20 others were injured.
Nasser Hospital also confirmed the six deaths in a statement. Medical sources identified a surgeon, Rizk Abu Shaeera, among those killed.
The reported casualties included people inside the medical complex when the strike occurred. Emergency personnel and hospital workers responded to assist those affected.
The casualty figures were reported by international news organisations, including Reuters and AFP.
Injured People Receive Medical Assistance
Following the strike, medical personnel and rescue teams worked to evacuate injured individuals and provide emergency assistance.
The attack placed additional pressure on medical services at a time when hospitals across Gaza continue to face serious operational difficulties.
The availability of medical equipment, hospital space, electricity, medicines and specialised healthcare staff remains important for treating patients and maintaining essential medical services.
Israeli Military Statement and Targeting Claims
Israel Says It Targeted a Senior Hamas Commander
The Israeli military confirmed that it carried out the airstrike at Nasser Hospital.
In its statement, the military said the operation targeted a senior Hamas commander and additional members of the group’s military wing who were allegedly operating within the hospital complex.
The Israeli military further alleged that Hamas had used parts of the medical facility for military activities, including command operations and weapons storage.
These statements represent Israel’s account of the military operation. Reuters reported that it could not independently verify the allegations concerning the use of the hospital.
Israeli Military Describes Measures to Reduce Civilian Harm
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) stated that measures were taken to reduce the risk to civilians during the operation.
According to its statement, these measures included precision munitions and aerial surveillance.
The military said the operation was intended to address what it described as a security threat involving Hamas personnel.
The Israeli account and the information provided by Gaza’s health authorities differ in their descriptions of the circumstances surrounding the attack. Further independent verification will be important for establishing the complete details.
Gaza Authorities Condemn the Hospital Attack
Health Officials Raise Concerns About Medical Services
Gaza’s health authorities condemned the strike and raised concerns about the consequences for the territory’s already strained healthcare system.
Medical facilities in Gaza have faced repeated challenges during the conflict, including damage to buildings, shortages of essential supplies and difficulties maintaining medical services.
The latest incident has added to concerns about the ability of hospitals to provide emergency treatment and care for patients.
Hamas Describes the Strike as a Violation
Hamas condemned the attack and described it as a war crime.
The group also criticised the international response to the continuing attacks on Gaza’s medical facilities.
These statements reflect Hamas’s position. Any legal determination regarding responsibility and possible violations of international humanitarian law would require an independent assessment of the available evidence and circumstances.
Humanitarian Crisis and Healthcare Challenges in Gaza
Healthcare Facilities Face Continued Pressure
The healthcare system in Gaza has experienced extensive disruption during the conflict.
Hospitals and medical centres have faced damage, shortages of supplies, reduced capacity and difficulties treating large numbers of patients.
Nasser Medical Complex is particularly important for people living in southern Gaza, where access to specialised healthcare remains a major concern.
Damage to surgical and intensive care facilities can affect not only patients injured during an attack but also people requiring treatment for unrelated medical conditions.
Patients and Healthcare Workers Face Additional Risks
Patients, medical staff and emergency responders depend on functioning healthcare facilities to provide and receive essential services.
When a hospital building is damaged, medical teams may need to transfer patients, reorganise departments and find alternative locations for treatment.
Such disruptions can be particularly difficult for people requiring urgent surgery, intensive care or continuous medical supervision.
The latest strike has renewed attention on the importance of maintaining safe access to healthcare throughout the Gaza Strip.
International Humanitarian Law and Hospital Protection
Medical Facilities Receive Special Protection
International humanitarian law provides special protection to hospitals, medical personnel and patients during armed conflicts.
Medical facilities must be respected and protected, and attacks against them are subject to strict legal rules.
A hospital may lose its special protection against attack only under specific circumstances, such as when it is used outside its humanitarian function to commit acts harmful to an opposing force. Applicable legal requirements and warnings must also be considered.
The legal assessment of an individual incident depends on the available evidence, the circumstances of the attack and the relevant rules of international humanitarian law.
Independent Investigation Remains Essential
The different accounts provided by the Israeli military and Palestinian authorities underline the importance of independent investigation.
A thorough assessment would need to examine the intended military target, the circumstances in which the hospital was struck, the evidence concerning alleged military activity and the precautions taken to protect civilians.
Independent verification can help establish what happened and assess whether the applicable legal requirements were followed.
Nasser Hospital and the Wider Gaza Conflict
Medical Complex Has Experienced Previous Attacks
Nasser Medical Complex has previously been affected by military operations during the Gaza conflict.
The Associated Press reported that the hospital had been struck before, including during an August 2025 incident in which five journalists were killed.
Repeated incidents involving medical facilities have raised concerns among international humanitarian organisations and media outlets about the protection of hospitals and healthcare workers.
Ceasefire Challenges Continue to Affect Gaza
The latest strike occurred despite the ceasefire agreement that came into effect in October 2025.
Both Israel and Hamas have accused each other of violating the agreement. The continuing violence has raised questions about the durability of the ceasefire and efforts to advance the next stages of the arrangement.
According to figures cited by Gaza health authorities and reported by Reuters, more than 1,600 Palestinians had been killed in Israeli attacks since the ceasefire began. This figure is attributed to local health authorities.
The continuing security situation has also complicated humanitarian assistance and efforts to restore essential services.
International Response and Humanitarian Concerns
Global Attention on Attacks Against Healthcare Facilities
The strike on Nasser Hospital has drawn further international attention to the protection of healthcare infrastructure in Gaza.
Hospitals are essential for treating injured people, providing emergency care and supporting patients with serious medical conditions.
International humanitarian organisations have repeatedly emphasised the need to protect civilians and ensure that medical facilities can operate safely during armed conflicts.
Humanitarian Access and Medical Support Remain Critical
The latest incident highlights the importance of maintaining humanitarian access and ensuring that medical facilities have the resources needed to continue operating.
Access to medicines, medical equipment, electricity, clean water and specialised healthcare staff remains essential for the delivery of medical services.
Humanitarian assistance and protection for medical personnel are important for addressing the continuing healthcare challenges faced by Gaza’s population.
Conclusion and Latest Developments
Six Deaths Confirmed Following Nasser Hospital Strike
The Israeli airstrike on Nasser Medical Complex in Khan Younis on November 12, 2026, killed six Palestinians and injured around 20 others, according to Gaza’s Civil Defence and health authorities.
The strike damaged parts of the hospital complex, including its surgical facilities. A surgeon was among those reported killed.
The Israeli military confirmed carrying out the operation and said it targeted a senior Hamas commander and other members of the group’s military wing. Its allegations about military activity inside the hospital have not been independently verified by Reuters.
Protection of Healthcare Facilities Remains a Major Concern
The incident has renewed international attention on the humanitarian situation in Gaza and the safety of medical facilities.
The protection of patients, healthcare workers and hospitals remains an important issue under international humanitarian law.
Further independent investigation and verified information will be necessary to establish the complete circumstances of the attack and assess its legal implications.
Sources and References
- Reuters: Israeli strike on southern Gaza hospital kills six, Gaza Civil Defence says
- Associated Press: Israel hits Gaza hospital and France turns away a settler leader
- Dawn: Israeli strike kills six at southern Gaza hospital: Civil Defence
- ABC News: Six killed in Israeli air strike on Gaza’s Nasser Hospital
- CBS News: Israeli airstrike on Gaza hospital kills six, health authorities say
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