- Israeli airstrike on Nasser Hospital kills Hamas official Ismail Barhoum and a 16-year-old boy.
- The attack also wounded eight others, all patients receiving medical treatment.
- Israel claims Barhoum was a target for his involvement in Hamas military activities.
- Nasser Hospital suffered severe damage, with its surgical ward destroyed.
- The death toll in Gaza exceeds 50,000, with more than 600 killed since Israel resumed military operations.
On Sunday night, an Israeli airstrike hit Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis, southern Gaza. The attack killed at least two people, including senior Hamas official Ismail Barhoum and a 16-year-old boy. Eight others were also injured while receiving medical care for prior injuries.
The Israeli Defence Ministry confirmed Barhoum was the target. He was reportedly receiving treatment at the hospital when the strike occurred. Israel said it used “precise munitions” to minimize civilian casualties but accused Hamas of using the hospital for military operations.
“Hamas exploits civilian infrastructure while endangering the population,” said the Israeli military. They added that Hamas’s actions violate international law. Hamas, however, condemned the strike, calling it a “crime” and accusing Israel of violating international conventions.
Hamas also denounced the attack as part of Israel’s “systematic killing” of Palestinian leaders and civilians. The incident has only deepened the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, with hospitals and civilians suffering amid the ongoing conflict.
Extensive Damage to Medical Facility
The airstrike severely damaged Nasser Hospital, particularly the surgical ward. Doctors spent hours fighting the fires caused by the bombing. Meanwhile, footage from the scene showed a massive fireball erupting from the hospital’s upper floors. Unfortunately, nearby areas also suffered severe damage.
Feroze Sidhwa, a trauma surgeon volunteering at the hospital, shared a heartbreaking story. He mentioned that a 16-year-old boy, killed in the attack, had just undergone surgery. “I operated on him on March 18. He probably would have gone home tomorrow, but now he’s dead,” Sidhwa told Al Jazeera.
In addition to the loss of life, Sidhwa explained the extent of the damage. “The whole hospital smells like smoke now,” he said. “The electrical system was destroyed, windows shattered, and the ceiling collapsed. It’s completely unusable. It will need to be rebuilt from scratch.”
This attack is part of a broader military escalation in Gaza. Since Israel resumed major military operations, it has targeted key Hamas leaders. By Sunday, Gaza’s Health Ministry reported over 50,000 deaths since the conflict began. Experts believe the actual number is likely higher, given the overwhelming casualties and limited access to some areas.
The humanitarian crisis in Gaza has worsened dramatically. Hospitals are overwhelmed with casualties and lack the necessary supplies. Dr. Hind Khoudary reported that medical facilities struggle to cope with the shortage of resources. To make matters worse, the ongoing blockade has made it nearly impossible to receive aid.
International Reactions and Ethical Concerns
The Israeli airstrike on a hospital has raised serious concerns. Targeting medical facilities during war violates international law. Hospitals are protected sites unless used for military purposes. The United Nations and human rights groups are urging an investigation and compliance with international law.
Dr. Sidhwa, a volunteer surgeon, condemned the attack. He called it a clear violation of international norms. “You don’t bomb hospitals. Everybody knows that,” he said. Medical professionals in Gaza shared his sentiment, calling for the protection of medical facilities amid ongoing violence.
The airstrike on Nasser Hospital killed Hamas leader Ismail Barhoum and a young patient. It worsened the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Hospitals are overwhelmed, and resources are limited. The destruction of Nasser Hospital highlights the human cost of the conflict and the urgent need for peace.