Hamas Leader, Wife Killed in Israeli Airstrike in Khan Younis; Gaza Bombardment Escalates

An Israeli airstrike in Khan Younis resulted in the deaths of senior Hamas leader Salah al-Bardaweel and his wife, as confirmed by a Hamas official. The strike occurred amidst intensified Israeli bombardment in Gaza, which has claimed at least 32 lives in the last day, according to Gaza’s health ministry. The attack targeted a residential area where Bardaweel was reportedly praying. Israel has not commented on the strike. The renewed escalation follows the collapse of a ceasefire that had been in place since January 19. Israel accuses Hamas of violating the truce, while Hamas blames Israel for abandoning the agreement. Heavy Israeli air raids continued across Gaza, particularly in Khan Younis and Rafah, causing significant destruction and trapping civilians. Bombings were also reported in central Gaza refugee camps, and sonic booms from Israeli aircraft caused panic among displaced families. The conflict, now in its sixth month, began with Hamas’ October 7, 2023, attack on Israel, resulting in 1,200 deaths and 251 hostages. Gaza’s health ministry reports over 49,500 Palestinian deaths and extensive infrastructure damage.