Israeli strike on hospital kills at least five Palestinians

At least five Palestinians lost their lives after an Israeli airstrike struck a building situated within the Nasser Hospital complex in southern Gaza, according to an official from the Hamas-run Civil Defence agency who spoke to the BBC.

Eyewitnesses reported that a single missile was launched from a military aircraft flying over the area briefly, hitting the structure that contains the hospital's surgical departments and intensive care units. The civil defence spokesperson added that twenty other individuals sustained injuries in the blast.

Reports indicate that a surgeon was among those killed during the airstrike early on Thursday. The Israeli military has not provided an immediate response, though the BBC reached out to the Israel Defense Forces for comment.

Earlier, civil defence spokesperson Mahmoud Basal informed the AFP news agency that six people had died. The BBC noted that Israel prevents independent reporting from within the Gaza Strip, restricting its ability to verify the incident's specifics.

Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event

Recovery operations are managed by Gaza's Civil Defence operating under the Hamas-run interior ministry, with support from the International Committee of the Red Cross. Activists shared footage revealing dense smoke inside the building and widespread destruction on the second floor, where beds and medical equipment were scattered by the explosion.