Senior Hamas Leader Reportedly Killed in Gaza Hospital Strike
A reported Israeli airstrike targeting a hospital in Gaza resulted in the death of a high-ranking Hamas figure and an assistant on Sunday evening, according to a Hamas representative who spoke with the BBC.
The Hamas official identified the deceased as Ismail Barhoum, reportedly the head of the group’s financial operations. The strike occurred at Nasser Hospital, the primary medical center in Khan Younis.
The official stated Barhoum had been receiving medical care at the hospital for injuries sustained in a previous airstrike four days prior.
The Israeli military confirmed conducting a strike, stating it targeted a “key Hamas member” allegedly operating within the hospital premises. The military claimed the operation followed “an extensive intelligence-gathering process” and that “precise munitions” were employed to minimize collateral damage.
The Hamas-controlled health ministry reported that “numerous others,” including medical staff, were wounded in the incident.
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According to the ministry, the affected hospital department was evacuated following significant damage.
Verified BBC footage depicted individuals attempting to extinguish a fire in the aftermath of the strike.
Israel has consistently accused Hamas of utilizing hospitals as shelters for weaponry and command centers, allegations Hamas denies.
In a separate incident on Sunday in Khan Younis, another Hamas leader, Salah al-Bardaweel, was reportedly killed in an Israeli airstrike, according to the same Hamas official speaking to the BBC.
The health ministry indicated that at least 30 individuals had already been killed in Khan Younis and Rafah on Sunday morning, prior to the hospital strike in the evening.
Escalation of Conflict
Israel recommenced its military campaign in Gaza on March 18th, concluding a nearly two-month ceasefire. Subsequent strikes have resulted in hundreds of fatalities.
Each side has blamed the other for the breakdown of the truce. Israel asserted Hamas rejected a recent US proposal to extend the ceasefire, while Hamas accused Israel of abandoning the initial agreement reached in January.
Background to the Conflict
The ongoing conflict was initiated by Hamas’s attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, which resulted in approximately 1,200 deaths, predominantly civilians, and the abduction of 251 hostages.
Israel responded to the October 7th attack with a military offensive in Gaza with the stated aim of dismantling Hamas. The Hamas-run health ministry claims this offensive has resulted in over 50,000 Palestinian deaths.