Senior Hamas leader among 23 killed in Israeli strikes in southern Gaza

At least 634 Palestinians have been killed since breaking the ceasefire deal on Tuesday, leading to the death of a senior Hamas leader in a predawn strike in southern Gaza.

According to the Palestinian organization that accused Israel of assassinating him, Salah al-Bardawil, a senior member of Hamas’ political bureau, was killed on Sunday along with his wife while praying in their tent shelter in Khan Younis.

The battle for freedom and independence will continue to be fuelled by his blood, that of his wife, and that of his martyrs. The group stated in a statement that the criminal enemy would not undermine our will and determination.

Israeli officials did not immediately comment. Since Israel’s offensive resumed last week, several senior Hamas figures have died.

The Israeli military has issued evacuation orders for Tal as-Sultan in Rafah after at least 23 people were killed in predawn raids on Sunday.

According to Tareq Abu Azzoum, a reporter for Al Jazeera from Deir el-Balah in central Gaza, Israel has launched “fierce and extensive air attacks” on Gaza in recent hours.

Abu Azzoum stated that “the situation here is still critical.”

Since Israel unilaterally revokes the ceasefire and launches attacks on densely populated neighborhoods, hospitals, schools, mosques, among others, he explained, noting that there hasn’t been a fight between Israeli troops and Hamas fighters so far.

renewed attacks

Last week, Israel rebuffed an aid blockade in Gaza. It also relives a ground offensive on Wednesday, sending its troops to areas where the nearly two-month ceasefire had been broken. Since the ceasefire became effective on January 19, Israeli forces have repeatedly broken it.

Since the Hamas-led deadly attacks on Israel on October 7, 2023, Israeli forces have killed nearly 50, 000 people. In southern Israel, at least 1, 139 people were killed in the attack, and 250 were taken prisoner, the majority of whom have since been freed as a result of negotiations.

Netanyahu, the country’s prime minister, claimed that the renewed military offensive was intended to compel Hamas to release its most detainees.

Hamas has, however, claimed that Israel sacrificed its citizens as a result of the attacks, and that Netanyahu violated the cease-fire agreement by refusing to engage in cease-fire negotiations and to withdraw its troops from Gaza.

The organization announced on Friday that it was examining a proposal by the US to allow for negotiations to end the war by restoring the ceasefire to April after Ramadan and the Jewish holiday of Passover.

Israel attacks Lebanon in response.

Israel’s second wave of strikes on Saturday came after a rocket attack from across the border, threatening to end Israel’s agreement with Hezbollah in November 2023.

Israel claimed that it carried out attacks on Hezbollah positions in Tyre and Touline. Six rockets, three of which were intercepted, were fired into northern Israel from Lebanon, according to the military.

Hezbollah claimed Israel’s accusations were “pretexts for its continued attacks on Lebanon” and denied involvement in the attack.

The organization added that it supports the Lebanese government in addressing Lebanon’s perilous Zionist escalation.

Source: Aljazeera