Hamas Leader Reportedly Killed in Gaza Airstrike
A high-ranking Hamas political figure, Salah al-Bardaweel, has reportedly been killed in an Israeli airstrike in Khan Younis, southern Gaza. A Hamas representative informed the BBC of the incident early Sunday.
Local sources indicate that the aerial bombardment resulted in the deaths of both al-Bardaweel, a member of Hamas’s political bureau, and his spouse.
Israeli authorities have not yet issued a statement regarding the incident.
Escalation of Hostilities
The Israeli military intensified its operations in Gaza on Tuesday, citing Hamas’s actions as the reason for ending a ceasefire that commenced on January 19. This ceasefire had brought a relative period of quiet for nearly two months.
Hamas refuted Israel’s accusations, asserting instead that Israel had breached the ceasefire agreement, which was brokered by Qatar, Egypt, and the United States.
Palestinian Casualties Mount
According to an official from the Hamas-controlled health ministry, 32 Palestinians have died in the past 24 hours across the Gaza Strip.
Hamas stated, via Reuters, that al-Bardaweel and his wife were engaged in prayer within their tent when an Israeli missile struck.
Al-Bardaweel, formerly a spokesperson for Hamas and a well-known personality, frequently appeared in local media broadcasts.
He is reportedly among approximately ten Hamas officials who have perished since Israel recommenced military actions in Gaza on Tuesday.
Background to Gaza Conflict
Israel initiated a military campaign aimed at dismantling Hamas following an unprecedented attack on Israeli territory on October 7, 2023. This assault resulted in approximately 1,200 fatalities in Israel and the abduction of 251 hostages.
The Hamas-run health ministry reports that over 49,500 Palestinians in Gaza have been killed since that date. Extensive damage to residential areas and infrastructure throughout the Gaza Strip has also been reported.