An Israeli military strike targeted a Hamas commander inside the Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital compound in Deir al-Balah, according to statements from the Israel Defense Forces and hospital officials. The strike hit a building adjacent to the main medical facilities, causing structural damage and injuring four people.
Military Justification and Omissions
According to the Israel Defense Forces, the targeted commander was hiding within the hospital grounds and preparing attacks against Israeli soldiers and civilians. The military stated it took measures to reduce risks to civilians and had warned Gaza health authorities two days prior to stop using medical facilities for military purposes. The army did not identify the commander or state whether he was killed in the operation.
Hospital Damage and Visual Evidence
Hospital director Raed Hussein told Agence France-Presse that a small warehouse was hit, causing significant material damage and minor injuries to four individuals. Footage filmed at the scene showed damaged water tanks on a roof and debris scattered below.
Humanitarian Condemnation of the Strike
The strike drew criticism from humanitarian organizations. Médecins sans frontières expressed shock over the attack on the hospital compound, emphasizing via social media that medical facilities must remain safe zones for patients and staff. The NGO urged all parties to respect the neutrality of healthcare infrastructure.
Wider Territorial Bombardments
Separately, the Gaza Civil Defense reported that four people were killed in ongoing bombardments across the territory. Incidents included reported fatalities in eastern Deir al-Balah, Khan Younis, and near a roundabout in the Tel al-Hawa neighborhood of Gaza City. The Israeli military stated it is verifying the reported casualties in Deir al-Balah and confirmed targeting a military operative in the Tel al-Hawa area.
Ceasefire Tensions and Casualty Tolls
These military actions take place despite a ceasefire brokered by the United States that went into effect in October 2025. Israel maintains its operations are necessary to eliminate threats from Hamas, which initiated the conflict with the October 7, 2023, attacks. According to the Hamas-run Gaza health ministry figures considered reliable by the United Nations, at least 1,313 people have died in Gaza since the ceasefire began. The Israeli military reports five soldier fatalities and one contractor death over the same period.
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