IDF Strikes Gaza Hospital, Cites Hamas Military Use; Reuters Reports Civilian Casualties

The Israeli Air Force struck a building within the Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis, southern Gaza, on the night of November 12. At least six people were killed and 20 wounded, according to Mahmoud Basal, a spokesperson for Gaza's Hamas-run civil defense, who told Reuters the strike hit the surgical department. Local medics identified one of the deceased as surgeon Rezik Abu Shira. Reuters footage showed hospital corridors filled with debris, and a Hamas representative called the strike a "war crime."

Following the incident, the IDF and Shin Bet announced they had targeted a senior Hamas operative and other members of the group who were allegedly using the hospital complex as a command center and staging ground for attacks against Israelis. The Israeli security agencies stated that Hamas stored weapons, operated command posts, and used hospital facilities as observation points and shelters. They also claimed Hamas internal security and intelligence personnel conducted interrogations and torture within the hospital.

The IDF stated that aerial surveillance was maintained before and during the strike, and precision munitions were used to minimize civilian risk. While the initial army statement did not name the target, Israeli Channel 14 identified the likely target as Khaled Abu Anza, with Israel National News also reporting his death based on Gaza sources. Khaled Suleiman Abu Anza, also known as Abu Osama, is described as a 53-year-old senior Hamas member who commanded the group's brigade in Khan Younis and was considered a leader of its security apparatus.

The IDF released a map indicating five Gaza hospitals, including Nasser, where they claim weapons and ammunition were found. They also published a recording of an Israeli coordination officer warning a senior Gaza health official that the IDF would act if armed groups continued to use hospitals for military activities. The officer cited Shifa, Nasser, and other hospitals as being used by terrorist organizations and demanded an immediate cessation of such activities.

The article contrasts the reporting of Reuters, which led with the civilian casualties reported by Hamas officials, with the Israeli account presented in a press release. It questions whether Reuters adequately investigated the presence of a Hamas leader within a functioning hospital.