An Israeli air strike in the southern city of Khan Younis in Gaza has killed senior Hamas political leader Salah al-Bardaweel. The strike, which took place early Sunday, also claimed the life of his wife, according to local reports.
Israeli officials have not issued an immediate comment on the attack. However, this incident comes amid renewed military action by Israel in Gaza following the breakdown of a ceasefire agreement that had been in place since January 19. That ceasefire lasted nearly two months before hostilities resumed on Tuesday, with Israel citing Hamas as the reason for its renewed operations.
Hamas has denied Israeli accusations and has instead blamed Israel for violating the ceasefire agreement, which was initially brokered by Qatar, Egypt, and the United States. The escalation has led to an increase in casualties, with 32 Palestinians reported killed in various parts of Gaza within the past 24 hours.
Bardaweel, a key figure within Hamas’s political office, was reportedly engaged in prayer alongside his wife when the missile struck their location. The attack is part of a broader campaign launched by Israel against Hamas following a large-scale cross-border assault on October 7, 2023. That assault resulted in the deaths of approximately 1,200 people and the abduction of 251 hostages.
Since the start of the conflict, Palestinian health authorities report that more than 49,500 people have lost their lives in Gaza, with widespread destruction affecting homes, infrastructure, and essential services. The humanitarian crisis continues to deepen as the conflict drags on, leaving many civilians displaced and in dire need of aid.
