An Israeli air strike has devastated parts of Nasser Hospital in southern Gaza, damaging critical medical facilities and killing several people, including a Palestinian surgeon.
The attack struck the hospital’s surgical department, damaging operating theatres, recovery facilities and the intensive care unit.
According to footage and reporting published by Africanews on November 12, rescue workers searched through destroyed medical facilities as grieving families gathered outside.
The Israeli military acknowledged carrying out the attack, claiming it targeted a senior Hamas commander and other fighters. However, it provided no evidence to substantiate those allegations.
The latest strike has intensified concerns over the destruction of Gaza’s healthcare system and the protection of civilians amid Israel’s military campaign.
Israeli strike leaves Nasser Hospital severely damaged
Footage from Nasser Hospital showed extensive destruction inside the medical complex.
Collapsed ceilings, twisted metal and debris covered hospital beds and medical equipment.
The surgical department suffered particularly serious damage.
Operating theatres, recovery areas and intensive care facilities were also affected.
Rescue workers searched through the wreckage following the attack.
Meanwhile, relatives gathered outside the hospital to mourn those killed.
Gaza’s Health Ministry identified one of the victims as general surgeon Rizk Abu Shaira.
The supplied report did not provide a confirmed overall death toll for the strike.
Israel claims Hamas presence without providing evidence
The Israeli military confirmed responsibility for the attack.
It claimed that a senior Hamas commander and other fighters were operating from the hospital.
However, the military did not provide evidence supporting those claims in the reporting available.
Israel has repeatedly accused Hamas of using medical facilities for military activities.
Hamas denies those allegations.
Under international humanitarian law, hospitals and medical personnel enjoy special protection.
Medical facilities can lose certain protections if they are used to commit acts harmful to an opposing force. However, strict legal conditions apply, including requirements concerning warnings, precautions and the protection of civilians.
An allegation of militant activity does not automatically make an attack on a hospital lawful.
WHO records more than 1,000 attacks on Gaza healthcare
The strike comes as Gaza’s healthcare system struggles under the devastating consequences of Israel’s military operations.
According to figures cited by the World Health Organization (WHO), 1,056 attacks on healthcare facilities and personnel have been documented in Gaza since October 2023.
Those attacks have resulted in 1,010 deaths and 1,725 injuries, according to the reported figures.
Hospitals have faced repeated damage, severe shortages and overwhelming numbers of patients.
As a result, medical workers have struggled to provide essential treatment.
Nasser Hospital is among the remaining facilities serving Palestinians in southern Gaza.
Further damage threatens access to emergency surgery, intensive care and other lifesaving services.
UN findings intensify scrutiny of Israel’s actions in Gaza
The destruction of Gaza’s healthcare infrastructure forms part of wider international scrutiny of Israel’s conduct during the war.
In September 2025, the UN Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory concluded that Israel had committed genocide against Palestinians in Gaza.
The commission’s findings included allegations concerning killings, serious bodily and mental harm, and conditions of life imposed on the Palestinian population.
Israel has rejected accusations of genocide.
The commission’s conclusion is a finding by a UN-mandated investigative body, rather than a final judgment by the International Court of Justice.
The ICJ has separately considered proceedings brought by South Africa under the Genocide Convention and issued provisional measures concerning the protection of Palestinians in Gaza.
These developments have increased international attention on the protection of civilians and accountability for alleged violations of international law.
Winter conditions threaten Gaza’s displaced families
The WHO has also warned that approaching winter conditions could deepen Gaza’s humanitarian emergency.
Heavy rainfall, flooding and falling temperatures threaten families living in temporary shelters.
Meanwhile, damaged water and sanitation systems increase health risks.
These challenges come as hospitals face continuing pressure and shortages of essential resources.
For displaced Palestinians, the combination of damaged healthcare facilities and deteriorating living conditions creates additional threats to survival.
Calls grow for protection of Gaza hospitals
The latest attack on Nasser Hospital has renewed concerns about the safety of medical workers and patients.
The WHO has reiterated its call for unhindered humanitarian access and the protection of healthcare facilities.
International humanitarian law requires parties to armed conflicts to respect and protect civilians and medical services.
The Israeli military’s stated justification for the strike has not been substantiated by evidence in the supplied reporting.
Meanwhile, the destruction of essential medical infrastructure continues to deepen the suffering of Palestinians in Gaza.
With healthcare services already severely weakened, further attacks risk leaving more patients without access to lifesaving treatment.