Israeli strike on Gaza hospital deadliest since election

An Israeli air strike on Nasser Hospital in southern Gaza resulted in the deaths of six Palestinians and injuries to around 20 others, according to the Hamas-run health ministry. The hospital's director revealed that two missiles struck a building housing surgical wards and intensive care units during the night, although one missile failed to detonate.

The health ministry condemned the attack as a "flagrant violation of international laws and conventions," citing the loss of medical staff, patients, and companions, including surgeon Dr Rizq Abu Shaira. The Israeli military maintained that the strike targeted a Hamas commander and other fighters who had utilized the hospital as a command center for planning attacks against their forces.

Hamas rejected these claims, alleging that Israel was fabricating stories to obscure a new war crime. International law grants hospitals a protected status, yet they have consistently been targeted throughout the Gaza conflict. Israel accuses Hamas, which retains control over certain areas of Gaza not under Israeli occupation, of exploiting civilian infrastructure by using hospitals for storing weapons and managing command and control rooms.

However, Hamas denies these allegations. The Israeli military restricts access for international news organizations, including the BBC, into Gaza, making it challenging to verify the situation on the ground. The Nasser Medical Complex, situated in the city of Khan Younis, is the largest hospital in southern Gaza and provides care to nearly one million individuals.