IDF Strikes Hamas Operatives at Nasser Hospital in Gaza

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and Shin Bet conducted a nighttime operation targeting a senior Hamas operative and others who were allegedly hiding within Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis, southern Gaza Strip. An Israeli security source stated that the objective was the current commander of Hamas's Khan Younis brigade, whose predecessor was killed by Israel in September 2026. The IDF claims the militants were attacked from the air to neutralize an imminent threat, as they were advancing terror plans against Israeli civilians and forces. According to the IDF, Hamas had established a military and terror command center within the hospital, using it for operations against Israeli forces.

The IDF further alleges that Hamas's use of the hospital, a violation of international law, included storing weapons, conducting interrogations and torture, operating command and control rooms, and using hospital facilities as observation posts and shelters for militants.

Separately, an Israeli airstrike on a building at Nasser Hospital reportedly killed at least six people, including a surgeon, and injured 20 others, according to Mahmoud Basal, spokesperson for the Civil Defense in Gaza. Basal stated the strike hit the surgical department, causing extensive damage. Medical teams identified the slain surgeon as Razek Abu Shira. Reuters footage showed significant destruction within the hospital, with civilians seen evacuating the injured and bodies amidst the rubble.

A Hamas spokesperson condemned the strike as a "war crime." Israel has recently intensified its strikes in Gaza, asserting that Hamas is attempting to regroup and rebuild its arsenal. Hamas, however, maintains its commitment to a ceasefire and accuses Israel of trying to derail the agreement. Health authorities in Gaza report over 74,000 Palestinians killed since the start of Israel's campaign in October 2023, following the Hamas-led attack on southern Israel that killed approximately 1,200 people. Israel reports four soldiers killed during the same period.