Israeli airstrike kills surgeon and five others at Nasser hospital in Gaza

Damage and casualties at Nasser

The strike destroyed part of the surgery department and extensively damaged several floors of the hospital. Video footage showed smoke in corridors covered with rubble, alongside broken and overturned medical equipment.

The Palestinian news agency reported six deaths, including a surgeon and a disabled man, and more than 20 people wounded. Ubaid said the attack occurred at about 12.30am without warning, while surgical patients were waiting for operations.

Patients waiting for surgery

One person killed was Seif Ghazi Abu Hatab, 29. He had arrived at the hospital on Monday after debris struck his back while he was clearing rubble from a friend’s home.

Abu Hatab was due to have surgery at 10am on Thursday and was expected to receive further treatment abroad. His cousin, Tareq Abu Hatab, said Seif had lost two brothers and his father before the strike; his mother has now lost three sons.

Tributes and wider risks

Dr Thaer Ahmad, who appeared with Dr Rizk in the American Doctor documentary, said Rizk died while operating and serving people. The article identifies Rizk as the surgeon killed in the strike.