Khan Younis, Gaza Strip (AP) – An Israeli airstrike targeted a hospital in southern Gaza, resulting in a fire and multiple casualties, according to sources at Nasser Medical Complex. The strike, part of a broader offensive by Israel in the region, was aimed at a member of the Hamas terrorist organization located inside the hospital, the Israeli military confirmed.
Reports from Hamas-affiliated media stated that Ismail Barhoum, a Hamas political bureau member, and his nephew were killed in the strike at Nasser Medical Complex. Barhoum had been undergoing medical treatment for injuries sustained in a previous Israeli attack. The incident has sparked criticism from Hamas, accusing Israel of violating international laws protecting hospitals during armed conflicts.
The escalation of Israeli operations in southern Gaza has raised tensions in the region, with the military announcing the encirclement of a district and ordering evacuations. Nasser Medical Complex, the largest hospital in Gaza, has been a frequent target of Israeli raids over alleged connections to Hamas.
Witnesses described the aftermath of the strike, with images showing a fire burning at the hospital and crowds gathering outside. Medical personnel from various countries were working at the hospital during the attack, highlighting the international dimensions of the conflict.
The Israeli military justified the strike by accusing Hamas of using civilian infrastructure to launch attacks against Israel. The ongoing military operations have resulted in civilian displacements and warnings of imminent danger to thousands of residents in the area.
The United Nations agency for Palestinian refugees reported a blockade on aid entering Gaza, exacerbating an already dire humanitarian situation in the region. The death toll in Gaza continues to rise, with the latest figures indicating over 50,000 fatalities since the start of the conflict.
Israeli forces have expanded their ground operations in both southern and northern Gaza, targeting Hamas’ infrastructure sites. The Health Ministry in Gaza reported a significant increase in casualties, underscoring the relentless violence that has engulfed the region.
The situation remains volatile, with no immediate resolution in sight as both sides continue to engage in military actions despite international calls for de-escalation. The toll on civilians, healthcare facilities, and vital services in Gaza is mounting, signaling a deepening humanitarian crisis in the embattled enclave.