Israeli Special Forces Raid Nasser Hospital in Gaza, Sparking Controversy
In a shocking turn of events, Israeli special forces raided Nasser Hospital in Gaza on Thursday, causing uproar and controversy. The hospital, the largest functioning medical facility in the enclave, had been under siege by Israeli forces for several days before the raid took place. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) claimed that they had detained several suspects during the operation, which was based on intelligence gathered from released hostages.
The IDF alleged that the bodies of dead hostages were being held inside the hospital, a claim vehemently denied by Hamas. According to Hamas, they had “no business” at the Nasser hospital. However, doctors and medical officials in southern Gaza reported that Israeli snipers had shot and killed several people as they attempted to flee the hospital. A trauma surgeon who witnessed the shootings confirmed that at least two individuals were killed by snipers on Tuesday, with more sustaining injuries.
Israeli Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari commented on the raid, stating, “Hamas terrorists are likely hiding behind injured civilians inside Nasser hospital right now.” The IDF released a statement confirming that they had apprehended a number of suspects during the operation. However, it is important to note that one former hostage’s claim of being held at Nasser Hospital could not be independently verified by CNN.
Dr. Ashraf Al-Qidra, spokesperson for the Ministry of Health, expressed his concerns about the situation, stating, “The Israeli occupation storms the Nasser Medical Complex and turns it into a military barracks after demolishing the southern wall and entering from it.” He also revealed that Israeli military bulldozers were digging up mass graves within the hospital complex.
The situation escalated further when Israeli forces forced hundreds of civilians to evacuate the hospital, which they had been using as a shelter. Disturbing video footage showed columns of smoke surrounding the hospital perimeter, an Israeli bulldozer destroying a wall, and an armored vehicle entering the grounds. Gunfire could be heard throughout the chaos. Tragically, at least eight individuals attempting to escape were shot, including a 16-year-old boy who sustained four gunshot wounds at the hospital gate.
A trauma surgeon at the hospital, who wished to remain anonymous for security reasons, shared voice notes detailing the intense bombardment endured by the medical teams for three consecutive days. The surgeon’s testimony was corroborated by a colleague and shared with CNN. The surgeon expressed shock at the direct targeting of the hospital and the resulting loss of lives among patients and medical personnel.
The Hamas-run health ministry in Gaza also accused Israeli snipers of killing civilians on multiple occasions. They claimed that seven people were shot dead on Monday alone. The Ministry of Health reported that over 1,500 displaced individuals, including 273 patients and 190 medical staff, were still trapped inside the hospital. Disturbingly, there were even three children present in the nursery.
Khan Younis, where the hospital is located, was initially designated as a safer zone by the Israeli military. However, as the IDF intensified its ground offensive, the city became a focal point. The IDF justified its actions by claiming that Khan Younis was a Hamas stronghold and that a tunnel network beneath civilian buildings likely facilitated Hamas’ deadly attacks in October.
The destruction in Khan Younis is extensive, with buildings reduced to rubble and bulldozed away. The hospital itself suffered catastrophic damage, with Doctors Without Borders reporting a collapse of vital medical services due to insufficient supplies. The hospital had been entirely besieged by Israeli forces, leaving staff and patients in dire conditions.
Sewage water flooded the emergency ward, and electrical generators were at risk of failing within 72 hours if the Israeli bombardment persisted. The situation has left many people in northern Gaza with no safe place to seek refuge. Lisa Macheiner, a project coordinator for Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), expressed the despair felt by the population, stating, “People ask us ‘Where is it safe? Where should we go?’, but there is no answer to that.”
MSF condemned the Israeli military’s order to evacuate patients, staff, and displaced individuals from Nasser Hospital. They argued that hospitals should be considered safe places and should not be subjected to evacuation orders. The choice presented to those trapped inside the hospital was described as impossible—stay and risk becoming a target or venture into an apocalyptic landscape where bombings and evacuation orders were a daily occurrence.
The situation at Nasser Hospital continues to develop, and updates will be provided as new information emerges.