During the early hours of Sunday, the 13th of April, 2025, it was reported that a Palestinian child was killed as a result of the forced evacuation of the Arab Ahli Baptist Hospital in Gaza City, demanded by the Israeli military.

Multiple sources have confirmed that a child, 12-year-old Hatem (Taha Ghazi) al-Nabih, died during an evacuation from the hospital, which was carried out following an Israeli order issued ahead of a planned strike on the medical facility. PalinforAr reported that patients and the injured were transported under extremely difficult conditions, contributing to the child’s death.

According to PS Online, more than 30 patients were evacuated. The imagery and timing of the posts suggest that the evacuation took place during the night or in the early hours of the morning.

Hatem al-Nabi was reportedly on life support at the Baptist Hospital for life-threatening conditions inflicted from a previous incident where shrapnel had hit his head; it is unclear how long he had been residing there. According to his father, the family and medical assistance had to stop his blood and oxygen supply until they reached safety. Hatem al-Nabi was pronounced dead as a result of the evacuation.

In a video, his mother said, “My son was martyred on the way home from the Baptist Hospital. My son needed intensive care; his injury was severe. He’s not even 13 yet.”

Saleh Alloh, Hatem al-Nnabi’s aunt, posted a picture of the young boy smiling while at a colourful outdoor market. The associated images shared with the posts explaining the evacuation of the hospital showed a young child on a hospital bed surrounded by loved ones; the photo is taken in darkness, potentially during the night or in a facility without electricity.

Some reports made the claim that the civilian casualty was a young girl, though this may be due to recirculation of mistranslated posts. Ahmedhijazee reported that the lives of dozens of patients and the injured would be in “real danger” as a result of the subsequent targeting.

Hakeam_ps reported that the atmosphere around the incident was marked by confusion and panic after the Israeli occupation forces ordered the immediate evacuation of the Baptist Hospital in central Gaza City, reportedly in preparation for targeting a building within the hospital complex. The evacuation unfolded amid chaos and fear, with patients, including those unable to move, being rushed out alongside their families and medical staff.

The situation reflects the severity of the humanitarian crisis, with medical facilities remaining key targets and the principles of medical neutrality being disregarded. Indeed, Mahmoud bin Ahmuda reported that Arab Ahli Baptist Hospital “was more than just a medical facility; it was a symbol of resilience and hope. Despite its small size, it bore the responsibility of saving countless lives.”

One post detailed that following the evacuation, the Israeli Army bombed the emergency, internal medicine, pharmacy and laboratory departments. It was not, however, reported whether there were any civilian casualties as a result of the subsequent incident.

Images show large fire plumes engulfing a building with an ambulance outside, suggesting that the evacuation may have been followed by airstrikes. These images are also taken during the dark, which may suggest the alleged bombing took place not long after the evacuation was called.

Kamal Massoud reported that the Baptist’s Hospital was taken under control and surveyed because of the presence of a reported Hamas command headquarters. The IDF official Telegram claimed a command and control center used by Hamas in the Al Ahli Hospital in northern Gaza had been struck, and a warning had been given before the attack, including an aerial image of the hospital marked next to the reported command and control center.

Later reports suggested that wounded civilians, including children, could not find a place for treatment as a result of the bombing following the evacuation.

Hatem’s name was matched with the Ministry of Health list of fatalities in Gaza, appearing first in the 9th list, which was released on June 23, 2025. The additional middle names within parentheses were found from the MoH list rather than local sources.

All the sources claimed that the forced evacuation was ordered by the Israeli military.