Israeli strike kills six at Nasser Hospital in Gaza

Casualties reported by civil defence

Gaza's civil defence agency stated that the attack hit the surgery department of the facility early on Thursday. Spokesperson Mahmoud Basal confirmed that a surgeon named Rezik Abushira was among those killed in the incident. The strike caused extensive damage to the building while recovery work continues under the supervision of local authorities. International Committee of the Red Cross staff are currently supporting these recovery efforts inside the damaged hospital.

Military claims and ceasefire context

The Israeli military later said it targeted a senior Hamas militant operating inside the complex with armed members. Officials accused the group of using the site as a command centre for storing weapons and running observation posts. This incident occurs despite a ceasefire agreement brokered by the United States last October which has seen little progress. Negotiators remain unable to agree on terms for Hamas disarmament or full Israeli troop withdrawal from the territory.

Wider death toll since conflict

Gaza health officials report that more than 74,645 people have died since Israel began its assault in October 2023. Since the ceasefire deal was agreed upon last year at least 1,600 Palestinians have been killed in subsequent attacks. The humanitarian situation worsened recently after heavy rains flooded tens of thousands of tents housing displaced families across the enclave.