Qatar and 17 Arab and Muslim Nations Condemn Israeli Strike on Nasser Medical Complex in Gaza

Qatar and 17 other Arab and Muslim nations have issued a strong condemnation of an Israeli airstrike on the Nasser Medical Complex in southern Gaza, which resulted in the deaths of at least six Palestinians, including a surgeon, and left dozens more wounded. In a joint statement released on Saturday, foreign ministers described the attack in Khan Younis as a violation of international humanitarian law, which grants special protection to healthcare workers and medical facilities.

The statement, reported by the Qatar News Agency (QNA) on 14 November, also denounced continued Israeli attacks on Palestinian civilians, including strikes on shelters and tents housing displaced people. The ministers warned that such actions undermine the Gaza ceasefire agreement and efforts to restore stability, contradicting the comprehensive peace plan proposed by US President Donald Trump.

The condemnation follows a Thursday strike on the Nasser Medical Complex that killed at least six people, including prominent surgeon Rizk Abu Shaira, and wounded at least 20 others, according to civil defence and Gaza’s health ministry. Hospital director Raed al-Dahshan stated that a missile penetrated several floors, causing extensive damage to the intensive care unit and surgical department. Al Jazeera reported that most of the casualties were patients, including those scheduled for surgery the following day.

While the Israeli military claimed it targeted a Hamas commander at the hospital, Hamas rejected this justification, calling the strike a war crime and accusing Israel of attempting to hide an attack on a protected civilian facility. The Nasser Medical Complex is one of the largest hospitals in Gaza, serving approximately 500,000 people in the southern region.

The joint statement also expressed grave concern regarding Israel’s ongoing restrictions on humanitarian assistance, specifically shelter materials and medical supplies. The ministers warned that these restrictions are exacerbating the humanitarian crisis as winter approaches, leaving displaced families vulnerable to severe weather. They noted that shortages of shelter, combined with failing water, sanitation, and healthcare services, pose life-threatening risks to children and infants facing freezing temperatures.

This warning follows reports of heavy rainfall flooding tens of thousands of tents. According to Gaza’s Government Media Office, roughly 70,000 tents were flooded, while UNICEF reported that at least 106,000 people were affected. The United Nations has appealed for urgent deliveries of waterproof tents, with UN deputy spokesperson Farhan Haq stating that humanitarian organizations need Israeli authorities to grant permission for additional tents to enter Gaza. UN humanitarian chief Tom Fletcher also criticized delays in aid deliveries linked to Israel’s political situation, rejecting the idea that assistance should wait for a new Israeli government.

The 18 countries called on Israel to immediately fulfill its obligations under the Sharm el-Sheikh agreement, Trump’s comprehensive peace plan, and UN Security Council Resolution 2803 of 2025. They demanded that Israel respect the ceasefire, protect medical facilities and civilians, and ensure the safe, sustainable, and unobstructed delivery of humanitarian assistance.

The ministers urged the United States and the Board of Peace to intensify efforts to ensure Israel lifts all restrictions on aid and implements its obligations. They reaffirmed their commitment to working with regional and international partners to consolidate the ceasefire and implement all phases of the peace plan. The statement was issued by the foreign ministers of Qatar, Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, the Republic of Indonesia, Pakistan, Törkiye, Algeria, Djibouti, Saudi Arabia, Sudan, Somalia, Oman, Palestine, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Egypt, and Mauritania.

Despite the ceasefire that took effect in October 2025, Israel has continued attacks across Gaza. According to Gaza’s health ministry, at least 1,600 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli attacks since the agreement began. The overall Palestinian death toll from Israel’s war on Gaza has reached 74,653, with over 176,000 wounded since October 2023.