In a deadly escalation of the conflict, an Israeli airstrike on Sunday struck the Nasser Medical Complex in Khan Younis, southern Gaza Strip, killing Ismail Barhoum, a member of Hamas’ politburo, along with at least four other people, according to Palestinian medical sources and eyewitnesses.
Local sources reported that an Israeli drone targeted the second floor of the emergency building, specifically the surgery department, causing a large fire and significant damage. Medics at the scene confirmed that five bodies were recovered, including Barhoum, and several others were injured, some critically.
“The Israeli army targeted the surgery building inside the Nasser Medical Complex, which housed many patients and wounded, leading to a large fire,” Gaza-based health authorities said in a statement.
Hamas later confirmed Barhoum’s death, stating he was receiving treatment in a hospital ward when the attack occurred.
The Israel Defense Forces and Shin Bet security agency released a joint statement Sunday night, acknowledging the strike on the hospital compound. They claimed to have targeted a “key” Hamas militant operating within the facility but did not disclose the individual’s name. “The strike was conducted following an extensive intelligence-gathering process and with precise munitions, in order to mitigate harm to the surrounding environment as much as possible,” the statement read.
Nasser Medical Complex, the second-largest hospital in Gaza, has faced several attacks since the escalation began on October 7, 2023. The facility is crucial for providing medical care to civilians amid the ongoing conflict.
