An Israeli strike at Gaza's Nasser Medical Complex killed six people, including a surgeon featured in a documentary, and disrupted hospital care, the Associated Press reported.
Watermelon Pictures identified the surgeon as Dr. Rizk Abu Shaaira, who appears in its documentary American Doctor. AP uses the spelling Dr. Rizk Abu Shaira, while the Palestinian Centre for Human Rights (PCHR) lists him as Rezeq Ahmed Ibrahim Abu Sh’eirah. AP said Gaza's Health Ministry reported six deaths and separately reported at least 28 people wounded. PCHR reported 25 wounded; Reuters reported 20, citing Gaza Civil Defence.
The hospital director suspended surgeries and other services after damage to the surgery wing, AP reported. Watermelon Pictures said Dr. Mohammed Odainy, another surgeon featured in the film, was critically injured. The company said the film centers on three U.S. doctors’ medical work in Gaza.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said it targeted Muhammad Abu Ismail, whom it identified as commander of Hamas’ Khan Younis Brigade, and other militants. The IDF alleged the hospital complex was being used as a headquarters. Reuters reported Hamas denied the site was used as a base for operations.
AP, Reuters and PCHR place the strike on Thursday, Nov. 12. Watermelon Pictures’ Nov. 12 release, citing Reuters and other news services, gave Wednesday as the date.
