Hamas political leader Salah al-Bardaweel and his wife were killed in an Israeli airstrike on Sunday in Khan Younis, southern Gaza, according to Hamas officials and pro-Hamas media outlets. The attack marks a significant escalation in Israel’s renewed military campaign against the Palestinian militant group Hamas.
The airstrike struck their tent shelter while Bardaweel was reportedly praying with his wife. Hamas, in an official statement, accused Israel of “assassinating” Bardaweel, vowing that their deaths would “fuel the battle for liberation and independence.” Israeli officials have not commented on the strike.
Fresh Escalation After Two Months of Relative Calm
The Gaza Strip, already ravaged by months of conflict, witnessed fresh chaos as Israel resumed heavy air and ground operations on Tuesday. After two months of fragile calm, explosions rocked northern, central, and southern Gaza, driving thousands of Palestinians to flee their homes once again.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reaffirmed that the renewed military offensive aims to “destroy Hamas as a military and governing entity” and pressure the group into releasing remaining hostages.
High-Ranking Hamas Leaders Killed
In addition to Salah al-Bardaweel, other senior Hamas figures have been targeted. Essam Addalees, Hamas’ de facto government head, and Mahmoud Abu Watfa, the internal security chief, were reportedly killed in earlier airstrikes last week.
Palestinian medics confirmed that several civilians were wounded after an Israeli plane bombed a house in Rafah, further highlighting the intensifying violence.
Ceasefire Collapse and Humanitarian Crisis
Hamas has accused Israel of violating the terms of the January ceasefire, blaming Israel for refusing to negotiate a permanent end to the war or withdraw troops from Gaza. Despite the accusations, Hamas stated it remains open to talks and is reviewing “bridging” proposals from mediators.
Also Read: Israel Hamas Conflict: ‘Committed to continue war’, why Israel relaunched it’s air strikes
The renewed hostilities have drawn international concern, with Britain, France, and Germany jointly urging Israel to allow humanitarian aid access into Gaza. Israel has reportedly blocked aid shipments, while also accusing Hamas of misappropriating supplies — a claim Hamas denies.
War’s Toll on Gaza and Israel
The ongoing war, triggered by Hamas’ October 7, 2023 attack on Israeli communities that killed around 1,200 people and saw 251 taken hostage, has left Gaza in ruins.
According to Palestinian health authorities, more than 49,000 Palestinians have been killed since the war began. The coastal enclave now faces a deep humanitarian crisis, with hundreds of thousands living in tents and makeshift shelters as airstrikes continue.
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