Israeli strike on Gaza hospital kills six Palestinians, health ministry says

What Happened

At least six people were killed and about 20 injured when an Israeli air strike hit Nasser hospital, the largest hospital in the southern Gaza Strip, overnight, according to the Hamas-run Gaza Health Ministry. The ministry said medical staff, patients and companions were killed, including surgeon Dr Rizk Abu Shaira. Eyewitnesses told the BBC that a single missile fired by a warplane struck the building containing the surgical wards and intensive care units; a Civil Defence paramedic said the missile penetrated the five-storey structure and hit a room in the surgical department, while videos showed thick smoke and destroyed beds and equipment on the second floor. The Israeli military said it targeted a commander of Hamas's armed wing and other fighters who had used the hospital as a headquarters to plan attacks on its forces. Hamas denied the claim, accusing Israel of spreading false narratives to cover up a war crime; local activists claimed the strike may have targeted a senior Hamas security figure. Nasser hospital was hit by a double Israeli strike in August 2025 that killed at least 20 people. More than 1,620 people have been killed in Gaza since an October ceasefire agreement, according to the health ministry.

Key Actors

Why It Matters

The strike on Nasser hospital, a major medical facility repeatedly hit during the war, sharpens the dispute over protected civilian infrastructure and alleged use of hospitals by Hamas. It further degrades Gaza's health system at a time when the health ministry reports more than 1,620 killed since the October ceasefire.

Watch For

Watch for the Israeli military to release the name of the commander it says was targeted, whether Hamas or other factions retaliate, and whether mediator states Qatar, Egypt or the United States issue statements or convene new ceasefire talks. Also monitor UN or aid agency assessments of damage to Nasser hospital and any change in casualty figures.