Israeli attack on Gaza’s Nasser hospital kills senior Hamas figure

Israel’s bombardment of Nasser Hospital in Gaza killed senior Hamas leader Ismail Barhoum and a 16-year-old boy. Videos from the aftermath of the attack showed the facility engulfed in flames.

Gaza’s Health Ministry reported that the attack occurred on Sunday night, destroying a huge section of the largest medical faciltiy in the south and forcing the evacuation of an entire department.

Israel reiterated its justification for targeting medical facilities and humanitarian zones, claiming its army had targeted "terrorists" inside the hospital.

According to reports, Hamas political figure Ismail Barhoum, who was undergoing treatment at the hospital after sustaining injuries in a previous attack, was among those killed.

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Hamas confirmed Barhoum’s death, condemning the attack as a "cowardly Zionist assassination."

"We condemn this latest crime, which adds to the occupation’s long record of terrorism, violating sanctities, lives, and medical facilities," the Palestinian armed group said in a statement.

"It reaffirms Israel’s disregard for all international laws and conventions and its continued policy of systematic killing against our people and leadership."

Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant stated that the Hamas leader was a target inside the hospital and that the strike was carried out with "precise munitions to mitigate harm." He also accused Hamas of using humanitarian zones and hospitals to plan and execute attacks.

Check: Israeli strike kills seven members of a family in Gaza

This is not Israel’s first strike on a medical facility in Gaza. Nasser Hospital was previously under siege from February to April 2024, during which Israeli forces reportedly carried out field executions.

Following the siege, Palestinians discovered mass graves, with many bodies showing signs of severe torture. Some victims were also found with medical equipment still attached.

Israel has continued its relentless assault on Gaza, which had persisted until December, when a fragile ceasefire took effect in January. However, Israel gravely violated the truce on March 18.

Currently, Israel has displaced thousands of Palestinians, forcing them to leave refugee camps on foot. Many struggle to carry their belongings, while children and the elderly endure the physical toll of walking long distances.

The Gaza Ministry of Health stated that at least 50,021 Palestinians have been killed and 113,274 injured in Israeli attacks since October 7, 2023.