Asger Risom
Israeli military targets Hamas stronghold near Nasser Hospital in Khan Yunis
The ongoing conflict in Gaza escalated dramatically as an Israeli airstrike hit the Nasser Hospital complex in Khan Yunis, southern Gaza, killing several people including renowned photojournalist Hasan Aslih.
The full extent of casualties remains unknown, as reported by 20minutos.
According to statements released by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) on X, the military action was part of a “selective attack” aimed at disrupting Hamas operations allegedly being coordinated within the hospital grounds.
The IDF accused the Palestinian group of using the medical facility to “plan and execute terrorist activities against Israeli citizens and military forces.”
Controversy Over Civilian Impact
The IDF further claimed that “measures were taken to minimize civilian casualties” and reiterated their stance that Hamas “cynically exploits the civilian population by using hospitals for terror-related purposes.” The targeted strike follows the killing of Ismail Barhum, a senior Hamas official, who was reportedly eliminated at the same medical center in March.
While Israel asserts military necessity, humanitarian and journalist organizations are sounding alarms. The Sand news agency and Filastín newspaper, affiliated with Hamas, confirmed Aslih’s death and reported multiple additional injuries and fatalities.
Mounting Toll on Journalists
The attack comes amid a grim statistic from the International Federation of Journalists, which last week disclosed that nearly 160 media professionals and reporters have been killed in the Gaza Strip since the conflict reignited on October 7, 2023.
The latest death of Hasan Aslih underscores the continuing danger faced by journalists covering the violence.
As the international community calls for restraint, the situation in Gaza remains volatile, with both sides showing little sign of de-escalation.
